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LIBRARY OF CONGRES&H 

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Vol.2,No.65. Jan. 27, 1883. 


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I. 


PREFACE. 


A thousand years ago, clouds of superstition and mists 
of corruption overshadowed the world. The incense of 
Christian prayer mingled with the smoke of heathen sacri- 
fice. 

Mysteries of architectural grandeur rose upon the 
ruins of pagan temples. In the east appeared the bloody 
crescent of Mahomet, from which men turned in dismay. 
It was a period of moral and intellectual asphyxia, but not 
of death, for above the pall of vapor God’s sun was shin- 

During this melancholy period all that inheres in our 
nature, the instinct of humanity, still asserted itself. 

The story ever old and ever new, was then, as now, re- 
peated. Men loved and hated, hoped and feared, sighed 
jn disappointment and rejoiced in success. The fruit of 
the Tree of Knowledge was desired, was eaten, and be- 
came, as it has ever been, the source of good and also of 


PRKFACP. 


evil. The dramas of life were all enacted, and, ‘‘ after die 
fitful fever, men sunk to unawaking sleep.” 

Among the wrecked romances, that strew the sho es of 
receding ages, gentle fancy may wander unforbiddcn and 
perchance rescue from Oblivion some sweet story before 
it is forever swept away by the surges of Time. 


SELMA. 


MISTS OF THE NORTH LAND. 

Near the close of the ninth century in a 
castle on the rugged coast of Norway, lived a 
fierce sea-rover, Frothal by name. War and 
rapine were his business and pleasure, for the 
terrible god he worshipped delighted in slaugh- 
ter and loved the warrior who sent many souls 
to Valhalla, the heaven of departed heroes. 

When the tempest scowled and the wind- 
driven spray dashed high on the rocks, the 
courage of Frothal rose. He would summon 
his retainers and seizing the helm of his two- 
sailed bark, guide the fleet to some hostile shore 
where blood and flames marked his p?*ogress. 


6 


SELMA. 


Strong, courageous, crafty, for many years suc- 
cess attended his expeditions, till at length, con- 
scious that age was coming upon him, Frothal 
determined to abandon a seafaring life and 
end a stormy manhood in evening calm. He 
was the more induced to this course because 
his daughter, Idumah, was now approaching 
womanhood and in those perilous times required 
a father’s protection. Frothal lavished all the 
tenderness of his nature upon this motherless 
child and well did she repay his care. The 
fame of her beauty attracted many suitors. 
When tke song arose and her white hands swept 
the harp of gold, (a prize bestowed on one of 
Frothal’s ancestors by King Harold) no warrior 
heard unmoved and kneeling bards would lay 
their trophies at her feet. 

For many months peace smiled in the halls 
of Frothal ; but retribution waits not servilely 
upon a mistaken sense of duty ; a mark is set 
upon the murderer’s brow and the avenger of 
Frothal’s slain but waited for the hour of fate. 
One stormy night the outraged Britons rushed 
li^e a whirlwind upon the towers of the sleep- 


SELMA. 


7 


ing jarl, murdered the guard, slew Frothai, and 
destroyed his castle by fire. But the fair 
Idumah was safe in a subterranean cavern, 
whither every night at the command of her 
father, she was taken by a faithful retainer and 
her nurse, the old warders wife. Breathless she 
listened to the noise of battle, followed by the 
sullen roar of flames and shouts of the triumph- 
ant foe, who, after a vain search for the renown- 
ed maiden, turned their prows homeward, fearing 
a rally among the subjects of the fierce, old king. 

Five days after, the warder looking from his 
retreat, discovered a friendly prow touching the 
shore, the bark of Eirek, jarl of Balderspur, who, 
sailing that way, .saw the ruins of the familiar 
Red Towers, and stopped to learn the fate of the 
Sea-Rover. He had long loved the beautiful 
maiden and now persuaded her to leave her 
desolate home and bless his hearth. With the 
golden harp, her only remaining treasure, she 
sailed to Vegra with Eirek, who, in his great 
love for his bride, caused to be built by his 
castle on the sea, a chamber devoted to song, 
after the model of the Red Towers. 


8 


SELMA 


But Idumah's spirits drooped, and in a few 
years she died, and left to Eirek’s care an infant 
son. With the treasured heirloom, the harp, 
she bestowed upon her child, I'horwald, a far 
richer legacy, a double portion of her own poet- 
ical nature. Upon his brow genius set its 
royal seal; his eyes were dark as the midnight 
sky and bright as its trembling stars ; his color 
fresh as the wild rose of the hilis. He loved 
solitude, and often wandered to his mother’s 
chamber, to touch with timid fingers the sound- 
ing harp of gold. He went often with his 
father to sea, and his little hands learned to 
grasp the rope or helm. Early, too, he was 
allowed to range the hills mounted upon a 
shaggy pony, and thus was laid the foundation 
for a powerful frame and vigorous health. He 
sought the companionship of but one child, 
the daughter of Sulmath his father’s friend. 
Selma, who was of almost etherial beauty, pos- 
sessed grace and tact, rare at any age, but es- 
pecially in a child, and Thorwald displayed 
towards his little companion a precocious gal- 
lantry that plea.sed the parents who fondly 


SELMA 


9 


dreamed they might one day be united by the 
most sacred ties. 

These happy anticipations were terminated 
by a sudden calamity. During a dreadful storm 
which swept along the coast, the bark of Sul- 
math was engulfed in the Loffden and 
Selma, by the laws of the land, became the ward 
of her uncle Torman, an avaricious, hard- 
hearted man who had long coveted the rich 
possessions of his brother. Selma was now 
twelve years old, and it soon became evident 
that the uncle intended to obtain the fortune 
by uniting her in marriage with Torkau his son 
a boy to whom Selma had always manifested 
great aversion. Failing in this scheme, it was 
more than suspected from the desperate charac- 
ter of the man, he might resort to less justifiable 
measures. 

Selma was soon placed under restraint, sub- 
jected to petty annoyances, and compelled to take 
part in the servile labor of a house where she 
was in reality the mistress. 

The high spirit of Thorwald could not brook 
this separation from his child companion, and, 


lO 


SELMA. 


after the manner of a child he found means to 
see lier frequently. As spring advanced, he 
discovered that Selma was sent alone to drive 
the kine to the hill-pasture, for Torman, in his 
wicked heart hoped that by accident, or exposure, 
her delicate frame would succumb to this hard- 
ship and himself be freed from uncertainity. 

But each morning Thorwald, accompanied by 
Ulfar, his father’s herdsman, met Selma in the 
hills, giving her such aid and protection that 
the designs upon her health proved the means 
of increased strength and beauty to both chil. 
dren, while in their innocent hearts were im- 
planted the germs of undying affection. 


I 


SELMA. 


It 


THE TWO CLOUDS. 

The rising sun struggles with the mist that 
wraps the Crag of Balderspur. Along its base 
hastens a brawling river that plunges over a 
precipice into the fiord of Loki. Its waters, 
shattered into masses of foam, bound against 
the Crag in vain attempts to reach the fields 
they have too rashly quitted. Baffled and dis- 
couraged they dissolve in tears upon the face 
of the rock and mournfully fall into the sea. 
#*#*#** 

Upon the bank of the river stands a grove of 
Norland evergreens, gloomy and dark though 
full of music when “ Wind, that grand, old harper, 
strikes his thunder harp of pines.” Above are 
green pastures where cattle and sheep are feed- 
ing, for it is happy spring time, and the sun in 


12 


SELMA. 


his brief visit to this far-off land hastens to 
glorify the rugged heights with living verdure. 

Under the pines stand two children gazing 
into a black malstrom formed by the cataract. 
The boy is robust and tall for his age, his brow 
is fair, and his features resolute ; but his eyes are 
dreamy and kindle with the light that shines only 
from a poet’s soul. He is robed in rich garments 
embroidered with a peculiar mark indicative 
of a high rank. His face kindles with enthu- 
siasm and his quick breath grows misty in the 
chill morning air. 

The girl at his side is beautiful, though 
fragile in form. Her eyes are blue as the violets 
at her feet, yellow hair clusters in abundant 
curls about her forehead. Though she is clad 
in the blue bodice and petticoat of a peasant, 
the refined face and small feet give token of 
gentle blood. 

As she looked down into the seething waters 
a shiver ran through her frame, and the boy, 
placing his arm protectingly around her, said, — ■ 
“ Art thou afraid, dear Selma ? ” 

“ Nay." she replied, “ I was listening to the 


S£LMA. 


foar of the cataract, so like the thunder of the 
clouds. Tell me is Thor strongest of the 
gods ” 

“ Ah, no,” said the boy. “ Alfather is great- 
est, and yet there is one more powerful than he.” 

“ Who is this strong one ” said the child. 

“ I will tell thee a story,” answered Thorwald, 
“ and thou shalt help me to determine, for this 
very thing puzzles me often. 

“ Once upon a time, long ago, when the world 
was voune. before men lived upon it, mighty 
Thor took a journey, armed with the hammer 
that returns to his hand after it is hurled, and 
the magic belt that doubles his strength when 
it is tightened. After many adventures he 
came to a wild country, where a great giant lay 
asleep between two hills. Thor, who was hun- 
gry, threw the hammer at his head, telling hin. 
to rise and furnish a supper for the party. Bu 
the monster only passed his hand over his fate 
as if a leaf had fallen upon it. Thor, greatly 
surprised put on the magic belt, and with both 
hands again hurled the hammer. This time 
the giant opened his eyes, and vawning lazily, 


14 


SELMA. 


exclaimed that it was impossible to sleep in 
a place where the flies were armed with 
stings. 

“ Seeing Thor and his companions, he good- 
naturedly inquired who they were that had lost 
their way and wandered into his kingdom, offer- 
ing to guide them to a city where they would 
find a good cheer. 

“ Thither they proceeded, and were feasted 
right bountifully at the giant’s table. After 
dinner, Thor, who had drank a great quantity 
of beer, became boastful and challenged the host 
to a contest. 

“ ‘ Oh ! ho,’ said the giant, ‘ thou vvouldst 
show thy strength mighty Thor. Thou canst 
not overthrow the oldest of my servants. Call 
in the old woman ! ’ he shouted. 

“ Thor laughed scornfully at the giant, and was 
about to hurl his hammer, when a hideous old 
woman sidled through the door. Her form was 
shrunk to a skeleton, her eyes were hollow and 
dim, her teeth had fallen out, her skin was like 
parchment, and she shivered as the wind sifted 
through her scanty garments. 


SELMA. 


15 

“ ‘ And is this, my antagonist? ’ exclaimed the 
enraged god of war ? 

“‘Try her strength,’ said the giant, laughing 
loudly. 

“ Thor launched the irresistible hammer, 
but it glanced harmlessly from her bald skull. 
He then grappled her .skinny form, expecting to 
crush it in fragments, but it was stronger than 
steel. With strength lessening at each attempt, 
he tried to throw her to the ground, but his 
efforts were utterly in vain. At length, after 
tightening his belt, and struggling to the utmost 
of his power, he merely succeeded in lifting her 
from the earth. Out of breath, he leaned against 
the wall of the castle and gave over the contest, 
while the giant thundered forth, — 

“ ‘ Oh, ho ! great Thor, thou hast done better 
than I thought. The old woman thou hast 
fought is my servant death ! ’ 

“ This is the story of the olden time, dear 
Selma. It is said that death conquers the gods ; 
the Twilight of Nature comes on, and the gods 
must die. But who brings on the Twilight and 
sends the servant Death ? Ah, Selma, that it is 


SBLMA. 


I . 

which puzzles me. I asked my father and he 
spoke of Fate. Yes, Fate is the ruler that governs 
all, the gods, the giant Nature, and his servant 
Death. Is it not so, dear Selma t ” 

“ I think of this often,” said the girl, “ though 
I could not say it in such grand words. Yes, 
it must be so,” she added, sighing deeply, “my 
father was dutiful to the gods, but they did not 
save him from the grasping Jotures that lurk in 
the Loffden. Ah, his was a cruel death!” 

Looking down into the raging water, she 
whispered in a frightened tone, “ Think you, 
dear Thorwald, the malstrom is more dreadful 
than this fiord of Loki ! ” 

“ It could not be worse,” he replied, “ but 
Selma we must not speak of the wicked one in 
this place, lest evil befal. You know my father 
strove in vain to deter Sulmath from taking 
that final voyage, and afterward to rescue him, 
but Fate was against us. What availed the 
strength of man in that boiling sea.? 

“ And when all was over, and he could return 
no more, how gladly would m'y father have taken 
thee to our home, but Torman had power and 


SELJkfA. 


17 


consented not. Oh, dear Selma, I fear he keeps 
thee through selfishness, not from duty to his 
brother’s child. 

“ Did Fate decree that thou shouldst not be my 
sister, and sit beneath our hearth-tree now that 
thy mother and mine are dead ? Thou shouldst 
have gentle care and light labor, nor ever climb 
these hills in the chill morning, whither I, a 
strong boy, come only to keep thee safe. Eirek 
rates me for such folly, but loves me too well to 
refuse. So I take the staff from Urfal and every 
day convey thee safe to the valley, away from 
these hills where the clouds flit like ghosts and 
the winds rave like demons.” 

“ Dear Thorwald,” said Selma, “ I have often 
wondered why thou, the son of a jarl, and I, the 
daughter of a rich s^ormann, should thus early 
stoop to dull labor. Be sure, I am compelled, 
but thou must come here no more. There is dan- 
ger from the sprites who live in these mountains, 
and thou hast a father to mourn if evil overtake 
thee. And beside, the winds in this place are 
so cold they sometimes stop my breath a.nd fill 


SELMA. 


iS 

me with pain, I who am well accustomed to 
hardships such as thou knowest not of.” 

“ Selma,” said Thorwald, drawing her closely 
to his side, “ I have somewhat to tell thee this 
morning. The things of which we speak will not 
always be thus. I am now sixteen years old, the 
age when youths are sent to the^acred groves of 
Upsal, there to be taught the love of sages, and 
the mysteries of religion. My father will send 
me to that place for four years. Then I shall go 
to sea, as beseemeth, the grandson of a viking, 
and after I have fought many battles, and 
having achieved renown, am deemed worthy to 
ask the hand of a maiden in marriage, who 
shall I seek but thee, dear Selma ? And, if 
thou consent, we will live together in the warm 
valley, and never climb these hills but for our 
pleasure — when we would recal the early times. 
Shall it not be so, dear Selma ? ” 

While they held this innocent discourse the 
sun had risen higher, and now hung upon the 
crest of the crag, lighting more perfectly the 
pine grove where stood the youthful pair. 


SELMA. 


19 


“ Look ! ” said Selma, by maidenly tact avoid- 
ing a direct reply to Thorwald’s question. 

• He turned to the girl enquiringly, and 
directed by her gaze, saw, just above the fiord, 
two small clouds sailing together. One was 
rosy as the dawn, the other softly blue like the 
morning sky. They slowly floated upward, 
mingled and became of purple hue, but when 
they rose above the forest, where the sun’s rays 
transfused the vapor, they were changed into a 
golden glory and melted from sight. 

For a moment the youthful pair, unconscious 
that they were poets, stood entranced by the 
beautiful apparition, and when the sun blazed 
forth from the surrounding mists, bathing them 
in its radiance, the boy raised his cap and 
devoutly exclaimed, Hail ! to Baldur, fair and 
bright. Hail ! to t-he god of day ! ” 

But Selma closed her eyes, and softly sang a 
verse from the Edda. 

The appearance of the sun reminded them of 
the passing hours. 

“ Oh, Thorwald,” cried Selma, Urfal has 


20 


SELMA. 


left US for the valley. I have lingered too long 
My tasks will be heavy to-day ! ” 

Then, hand in hand, they ran down the steep 
path, and were soon busied in their ordinary 
duties ; but never, in the strange vicissitudes of 
after life, was forgotten that morning under the 
shadow of Balderspur, or the two clouds that 
rose from the fiord of Loki. 

Eirek, with northern constancy, left unfilled 
the place made vacant by Idumah’s death. He 
went no more to sea, devoting himself to the 
improvement of his estate, and the care of his 
only child. Thorwald had now reached an age 
when it was considered necessary for youths of 
rank to be initiated into the manly accomplish- 
ments so prized by the brave race to which he 
belonged. Eirek, therefore, determined to send 
his son to Upsal, where, in the sacred groves 
he would become expert in boxing, wrestling 
racing, wielding the battle axe, and fighting in 
tilt and tourney ; also, be instructed in the 
Eddas, the sagas, the writing of runes and 
trained in moral qualities — truth, courage, 
obedience and self-control. 


SELMA. 


2 I 

Thorwald received this decision with joy ; the 
desire of excelling and love of adventure were 
inherent in his character. He cared not that 
for four years he could hold no intercourse with 
the world, except at the great festivals, and 
during one month to be spent at home at the 
termination of the second year. Leaving Selma 
was his greatest regret ; but over these young 
lives, hope threw its illusive rainbow, and sepa- 
ration was but a sweet sorrow'. 

They parted as child-lovers part, comforting 
their light grief by irredeemable promises and 
impdssible vows — Thorwald with high hope 
and courage, Selma with the tender solicitude 
of a prophetic nature. Yet, were the years till 
Thorwald’s return passed in calm happiness, for 
she possessed a talisman that repelled coldness, 
cruelty, and worse than these, the distasteful 
advances of her cousin Torkan. 

Thorwald, too, was happy. The generous 
youth won many friends among the priests and 
students, chief of whom was Prince Olaf, grand- 
son of the great Danish king, Harold, who con- 
solidated the government of the north countries, 


22 


SELMA. 


and who liad bequeathed a principality to Olaf, 
while he was yet an infant. 

During the period these young nobles spent 
in sacred retirement, a friendship was cemented 
between them which proved of incalculable 
advantage to both, and which ended only with 
their lives. Leaders in athletic sport, in litera- 
ture, music, and the arts of war, they disarmed 
env)' and detraction by the magnanimity of their 
characters and the purity of their lives. 

In this congenial atmosphere two years passed 
quickly, and on a fair day, immediately after 
the great summer festival, Thorwald once more 
greeted his father and his native land. Eirek, 
who could not enough admire his son’s im- 
proved stature and beauty, questioned him 
eagerly in regard to his life at Upsal, and 
pointed out with pride the home-improvements 
which had befen made during the absence, all of 
which interested him greatly ; but when even- 
ing came on, he climbed the mountain and 
waited for Selma at the rock of tryst. She 
came, and Thorwald sprang forward to embrace 
her, but one look checked the impulse. How 


SELMA. 


great the change two years had wrought! The 
lovely child was now a woman — beautiful, digni- 
fied, distant. Thorwald could only pronounce 
her name, but the tenderness of his voice melted 
the frost of reserve, and levelled the barriers of 
separation, though the old familiarity was not 
restored. Thorwald eagerly enquired after her 
welfare, and to spare the joy of meeting she 
answered evasively, “You see me well and 
happy, dear Thorwald ; we meet again, it is 
enough. Tell me of yourself, and your life at 
the sacred groves ? ” 

Thorwald told her of his pursuits and ad- 
ventures in the new world of his experience, 
dilating, after the manner of ardent youths, 
upon the admirable qualities of his friends, par- 
ticularly the young Prince of Sweden. 

Before the hour of parting, Thorwald made 
arrangements for his brief sojourn at home. 
He was to see Selma every day. She could 
even come to his father’s house, where Eirek 
would joyfully welcome her, for in the month 
of drouth, when the cattle were taken to past- 
ure upon a neighboring island, Torman and his 


SELMA. 


24 

son would be often absent, and the uiother, a 
heartbroken woman, was always Selma’s friend. 
During this propitious time, Selma could be 
taught all that was possible of Thorwald’s new 
acquirements in literature, and be instructed in 
the mysteries of religion, for women as wel' as 
men were eligible to the priesthood. 

From the undefined mists of childhood two 
beauteous lives are formed, and slowly floating 
upward, aspire to the sunlight and heaven. 


seiMA. 


25 


THE MONTH OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN. 

The summer solstice is the glory of the 
Northern year — the month of the Midnight 
Sun, whose phenomenal beauty is scarcely less 
at Vegra, than at the Nordhyn. Even at noon- 
day the shadows are unnaturally lengthened, 
for “ the sun swings low round the horizon’s 
brim,” and slowly descending, seems long time 
to hang like a golden banner on the northern 
verge. It disappears, and for a brief moment, 
evening and morning twilight mingle in a pale 
yellow glare that saddens the spirit of the be. 
holder, while it tinges rock and forest, moun- 
tain and sea, with weird unearthly beauty. 
Anon it rises, a crimson flame, like the eye of 
a fierce warrior who has been betrayed into a 
moment’s slumber on the eve of battle. Dur- 


26 


SELMA. 


ing this season of culminating glory, two or 
three hours suffice for sleep ; the long continued 
sunlight stimulates nervous energy ; plants and 
animals develop extraordinary vigor; vital and 
mental power is abnormally increased and an 
incredible amount of labor made possible. 

Into this propitious month, never to be for- 
gotten by Selma and Thorwald, was condensed 
the experience and enjoyment of years, every 
moment was precious. 


“ E’en as the miser counts his gold. 

Those hours the ancient dial told.” 

Selma’s wish to be instructed, was equalled 
by Thorwald’s desire to communicate his ac- 
quirements ; love quickened every energy and 
the-' advance was marvellous, “ Let us work,” 
said they, prophetically, “ for the long night 
cometh.” 

A disease which appeared among the cattle, 
absorbed the attention of Torman and his son ; 
their stay upon the island was prolonged. With 
all but these interested persons tlie young lovers 


S/iLMA. 


were great favorites, and they were left undis- 
turbed to wander in the groves, or sail in the 
harbor, to read the lore of 'sages and carve upon 
stones the noxious, the favorable or victorious 
runes ; also “ the secret rune, to be imparted 
only to one who is held in the heart.” 

Thorw'ald found, to his surprise and joy, that 
Selma had developed an extraordinary gift of 
song. By the exercise of this power she set to 
music two poems of her lover’s composition. 
These songs were called The Farewell and The 
Return. The melody was strange and wild, the 
chords were tender and melancholy, and when 
they were sung to an accompaniment of the 
harp, Thorwald’s hands would rest idly on the 
strings that his ear might more perfectly catch 
the wonderful vibrations of Selma’s voice. 

But why attempt a record of these flying 
hours. Who can stay the violets perfume, or 
•catch the glow of the sunset sky .? Who can 
garner for noontide use, the cooling breath ot 
night, or carry to dungeon damps a casket of 
the sun’s life-giving fire ? But if hearts, pure 
and fond as those of Thorwald and Selma, still 


SELMA. 


beat in this worn out old world, they will under- 
stand the bliss of meeting, the rapture in the 
glancing eye, the thrilling pressure of a hand, 
the sweet pain of a lingering farewell. Stay, 
stay bright hours, perchance the last. Ah, stern 
nature regards not the cry of human hearts — 
inexorable time rolls on unheeding that it bears 
away our joy or sorrow ; the shuttle of Fate 
flies fast and weaves the web of .destiny, and, 
whether the colors be gay or sombre. Death 
snaps the thread and leaves the pattern incom- 
plete. 

Again the lovers sit in the shadow of the 
crag — the hour of parting draws nigh. There 
was no need of words. Long time they sit in 
silence listening to the roar of the torrent and 
sighing of the pines. For them, nature has 
withdrawn the veil that obscures her beauty, 
and all is glorified. Love throws its rosy haze 
over land and sea, the light of their souls gilds 
point and promontory, flushes the horizon, tints 
the clouds and makes sweet music in the rip- 
pling wave. Love, of slow growth in that 
northern clime, when firmly rooted defies the 
\ 


SELMA- 


29 


tempest of misfortune, and the gust of adverse 
passion — though it boast not the ardor of a 
flame, it possesses the steadiness and life-giving 
warmth of sunlight. Oh pure and holy pas- 
sion ! oh charmed hour! oh winged dream! 
the zephyrs of Eden breathe upon the soul, its 
fruit for once, for once only, is offered to the 
sense. No thought of pain, or future woe, or 
death. Fate hides the dreadful shears, and 
pitying Time, for one moment, pauses in his 
flight. 

At length Thorwald spoke, “ Tomorrow I 
must leave thee — two years at Upsal and then 
to sea, as befits one of my rank. Oh light of 
my soul, will thy love burn pure ? Thou art so 
beautiful, so gifted my Selma — other eyes will 
beam for thee and other hearts beat warm, Say 
will thine own remain steadfast to thine absent 
lover } ” 

“Oh Thorwald,’’ the maiden replied, “dost 
thou doubt thine own constancy .J* Nay.f* Then 
doubt not Selma’s. I swear by the Star of 
Evening, by the verdure of the Mundane Tree, 
to love thee only and forever.” 


SELMA. 


30 

“ And I repeat the vow,” said Thorwald. 
“ Hear me ye elves and undines who haunt this 
grove and river. Hear me ye fateful sisters 
three. 

“ Oh Thorwald,” cried Selma, interrupting 
him, “ take back that dreadful oath. Swear by 
Urda and Vernandi, but never by the fickle 
Skulda ! ” 

“ Selma,” he answered, “ such love as ours 
defies Fate and the Future. 

Then Thorwald sang, — 


“ 'I'ill the rock on the river 
Shall float like a plume, 

Till the firm oak shall quiver 
And earth meet its doom. 

Till the sky cleaving mountain 
Is whelmed in the sea, 

To Selma, my darling 
Still faithful I’ll be.” * 

At that instant a curlew in her homeward 


* Slightly changed from an old Norse song. 


HRIMA. 


3 ? 

flight screamed along the shore. Selma looked 
at Thorwald in dismay. 

“ I’he omen is not evil my darling, the cur- 
lew but protests against thy doubt,” the youth 
replied, pressing her closely to his heart. 

Answer, oh cold materialist who would ex 
plain all things in heaven and earth by natural 
law, whence come those unbidden, inscrutable 
premonitions, that sometimes startle us in the 
hour of calm security. An unheard discord, 
an invisible shadow, a weight where there is no 
pressure, a shock when all is still ! 

Selma, at this moment, received such an im- 
pression, a subtle antagonism, a contradiction, 
a pain, though every nerve was at rest. But, 
unwilling to overshadow the hour of parting 
with undefined fear, she gathered a bunch of 
violets, and fastening them upon Thorwald’s 
breast, said, softly, — 

“ Behold the moon already gilds the wave, the 
twilight wanes, we must descend from the 
height.” 

“ There,” said Thorwald, “ in this sacred spot. 


^kihtA. 


3 ^ 

unseen save by the Walkyrias, peeping ^rorrl 
Odin’s Hall, shall our farewell be taken.” 

There are thoughts and emotions beyond the 
power of utterance by words — thoughts which 
music, the language of heaven, alone can ex- 
press. Impelled by such feelings, the sweet 
voices of Thorwald and Selma now mingled in 
the Farewell Song, and, as the echoes died 
among the crags, they raised their eyes to 
heaven in a mute vow, and, clasped in each 
other’s arms, exchanged the first kiss of love. 

At that instant a meteor shot from the sky 
and fell into the sea, and a blast sweeping 
throufifh the gorge died away among the pines. 


SELMA. 


33 


THE CLOUD OF PURPLE HUE. 

The term required at Upsal is over. Thor- 
wald has now a name and fame. His form is 
compact and powerful, hardened by athletic 
exercise, his bearing is proud, a dark beard 
shades his cheek, and the fire of genius flashes 
from his eyes. 

He has gained great renown as a skald, and 
for a saga, composed and sung in praise of the 
young prince, has been crowned by his com- 
rades with a wreath of oak leaves. 

But when his duties were accomplished, and 
the great sacrifice and festival were over, he 
bade his companions adieu, and hastened from 
Upsal; his triumphs were as nothing, his heart 
yearned for home. 

After receiving the embrace of his father, his 
first inquiry was for Selma, whom, he half be- 


34 


SELMA. 


lieved, would meet him at the castle. The face of 
Eirek grew troubled ; he knew not how to reply. 

Thorwald’s quick perception took alarm. 

“ Speak, my father,” he c^d; “ why do you 
hesitate .? ” 

Thus compelled Eirek answered, “ Three 
months ago came tidings that a whale was 
stranded on the rocks at Skierstadt, where the 
sea washes the land of thy mother’s heritage. 
The prize was mine, and I immediately manned 
my bark and set out to secure it. Three times 
sennight we were absent and returned richly 
laden. 

“ While f he feast was preparing, Torman came 
with sad face to inform me that during my ab- 
sence Selma had been attacked by a strange 
malady which soon proved fatal.” 

“ It is false — impossible !” exclaimed Thor- 
wald, springing up in great agitation, and be- 
fore Eirek had time to e.xpostulate was on his 
way to the house of Selma’s uncle. 

Torman was in the field, and, warned of his 
approach, assumed an expression of grief. 

The young man u.sed little ceremony in his 


SELMA. 


35 


greeting. “ Torman,” he demanded, impetQ- 
ously ; “ tell me something of Selma. Where 
is the maiden ? She is my betrothed, I have 
the right to ask.” 

“ Alas ! ” said Torman, in trembling tones, 
“ Selma was ever frail. After thy departure she 
declined in strength, till two months since when 
a sudden malady seized her, and before medicine 
could be procured, she passed away.” 

“ Sayest thou she is dead ! ” 

“ I have spoken,” replied Torman. “ She is 
dead. The tongues of my neighbors are ever 
busy about my affairs, so I called none to the 
iurial. but in the night with the help of Jarric, 
my thrall, I laid her under the pines of the crag, 
as she requested.” Seeing the look of incredul- 
ity in the young man’s face, he added, “ I swear 
this by my fear of the torments of Nastroud.” 

Thorwald made no reply, but strode to the 
house, in the door of which the wife of Torman 
was sitting, 

“ Tell me, Gudnina, is Selma dead ? ” 

“ She is dead,” answered the old woman, 
feebly nodding, 


36 


SELMA. 


Thorwald turned away, and passing through 
the fields, now belonging to Torman, he recog- 
nized among the laborers the thrall Jarric. He 
called this dark man and bade him, as he feared 
the rage of Fenrir the Wolf, to say truly if 
Selma be dead.” 

" She is dead,” replied Jarric ; “ I aided Tor- 
man to bury her beneath the pines, there may 
the grave be seen.” 

Without making any reply, Thorwald passed 
onward to the hills. 

Under the pines he found a newly heaped 
mound of earth, and throwing himself upon it 
lay motionless as the sleeper beneath. He had 
never contemplated the possibility of Selma’s 
death — he was bewildered, stunned. 

The noontide sun shone darkly, all nature 
seemed eclipsed, day was done, life ended. 

The anxious father, who followed unperceived, 
would not disturb this grief till its violence was 
in a measure exhausted. When night fell, and 
it became necessary to rouse Thorwald, his 
manner was so confused as to excite a fear that 
reason might be unsettled. Eirek. therefore, 


C'ikLMA. 


S'/ 

took his hand, and without words led him, as if 
he were again a child, down the steep pathway 
to the castle. Here a bright fire and warm sup- 
per awaited their return, influences slight but 
beneficial, reviving the power of habit and old 
associations, and when by order of Eirek the 
harp was brought in where the firelight glowed 
upon its golden strings, Thorwald’s wild expres- 
sion softened, unwonted moisture suffused his 
eyes, and his father fondly believed the worst 


was over. 


3^ 




VISION OF THE NIGHT. 

During the restless night that followed, Thor- 
wald reviewed the events of the day, striving to 
bring order out of the chaos of his thoughts. 
His first impression had been that Selma was 
not dead — then that Torman was a murderer — 
with that thought came the thirst for vengeance* 
But when he saw no signs of conscious guilt, 
and heard the story of her death and burial con- 
firmed by other witnesses, he was paralyzed by 
despair. There seemed but one course left for 
him to escape a melancholy worse than death. 
In the morning he communicated his plan to 
Eirek. 

“ It grieves me much, dear father,” said 
Thorwald, “ to leave you, but Vegra can no 
longer contain me. Its skies are dark, its air is 


SELMA. 


39 


clofee, I am smothered by its mists, my life is de- 
parting. Prince Olaf, my fast friend, leaves the 
Molde in seven nights for an expedition against 
the Britons, our ancient foes. He will welcome 
me with joy. The blood of Frothal stirs in my 
veins. I am the only survivor of his house. His 
spirit calls for vengeance. I long for the sea ; in 
the rush of the storm there is life, in the frenzy of 
battles, forgetfulness, and after the strife there 
is rest, sleep, sometimes unwaking slumber.” 

Eirek’s heart was sad ; long and earnestly he 
strove to dissuade his son. Thorwald answered 
with kind words but firm purpose. 

“ Do not fear, time often heals cruel wounds, 
but change and action are necessary. I cannot 
remain in Vegra. And, dear father, there rs 
more to tell thee. I have been warned ! Last 
night, lying in troubled slumber, I saw the ghost 
of Idumah rise from the mists of the sea. Tender 
were the glances she bestowed on her child, 
voice there was none, but her right hand pointed - 
to the crag and her left was stretched out to- 
ward the sea. I looked, obedient to the motion, 
?,nd saw naught save the dark, heaving water. 


40 


SELMA. 


the boundless sea throbbing beneath the moon. 
Thrice was the warning given, and the third 
time, straining my eyes, I beheld, lifted in the 
sky, a distant land, a low green shore where 
rested gardens and palaces of beauty. There 
rose stately trees, and in the golden sunlight 
yellow and crimson fruit was ripening. Under 
the trees walked dusky men in strange attire, 
and in the harbor a great ship lay at anchor. 
Then the form of Idumah slowly vanished like 
a wisp of thin fog, and I woke in a great tremor. 
Reflecting upon the dream, I determined to go 
forth if happly I might find the meaning of my 
mother’s gesture when she pointed to the crag. 
I climbed the hills and searched dilligently for 
some token, but, in the place designated, saw in 
the moonlight only a bed of violets, the color of 
Selma’s eyes, glistening with dew. Their frag- 
rance breathed ‘ Forget-me-not ! ’ 

“ Was that the warning of the prophetic right 
hand Dear one, Thorwald will not forget ! 

“ But the arm outstretched to the sea is of no 
doubtful meaning. To sea I must go, whither 
the winds and waves carry me.” 


^RIMA. 


4t 

Eirek was deeply imbued with the superstition 
of the age; the warning of Idumah could not be 
slighted. With sighs he embraced his son, 
gave him a ship, generously bestowed everything 
necessary for the outfit of a young chieftain, and 
when the fleet of Olaf was reported in "the 
Molde the preparations were complete, Thor* 
wald bade his father a hasty farewell, took the 
helm of his bark, and was soon lost in the 
blue distance. 


42 


SELMA. 


THE DEAD CALM, 

“I wake and see the morning star, 

And hear the breakers on the bar, 

The voices on the shore. 

And then with tears, I long to be 
Across a dim, unsounding sea. 

With her, forevermore.” 

Two years passed before the victorious fleet 
again appeared in the ofling and the prow of 
the Flying Fish grazed the Norland shore. The 
hold of this and the other vessels was filled with 
the spoils of war. Upon the deck stood Olaf, 
and Thorwald by his side, proud and happy, 
less on account of the booty than that they had, 
according to the requirements 'of Scandinavian 
honor, avenged the death of Frothal. 

Their weapons were battered, they bore upon 


SELMA- 


43 


their persons many deep scars, the marks of 
desperate battles. By constancy and valor they 
had compelled the respect of friend and foe, 
they were warriors approved — without fear, 
without reproach — paragons of the age and the 
race. 

Eirek perceived a great change in his son- 
His features were stern, his complexion browned 
by exposure, his eyes flashed fire upon the least 
excitement, a heavy beard curled over his bo- 
som, his form was sinewy, his motion quick, and 
.impetuous. No young chieftain in the land 
was so stalwart and beautiful, and Eirek feared 
that in the warrior he had lost a son. But when 
Thorwald took the harp, and, tuning its long 
neglected strings, sang softly of love and de- 
spair, it was evident that a poet’s heart still 
throbbed beneath the corselet of steel and when 
at eventide he went forth alone to visit Selma’s 
grave, Eirek compassionated his sorrow’, and 
determined, if possible, a prosperous love should 
succeed that which had darkened this young 
life. 

Adjoining his estate w’as that of a friend w'ho 


44 


^ELMA. 


died leaving the wife and daughter sole pro- 
prietors. The latter, a mere child when Thor- 
wald first left home, now grown to womanhood, 
was esteemed the greatest beauty and richest 
heiress on the Norland shore. The sagacious 
Eirek readily comprehended that a marriage 
with this young woman would at once increase 
Fhorwald’s importance, by a consolidation of 
the estates, and divert his mind from unavailing 
grief. He therefore pondered often upon some 
method by which he could direct the attention 
of his impassive son to the charms of the young 
Rhenah. He reminded him of the fact that 
old Huldah was becoming superannuated and in 
the event of his own death I horwald would be 
left alone in the world. To which he replied, 
that solitude was more congenial to his tastes 
than society; — as it had ever been — that his 
father was still in full possession of manly vigor ; 
that Steinar, the faithful thrall who accompanied 
him to war, now a married man, would esteem 
it great honor to live in the castle with his wife, 
an amiable, thrifty young woman. Upon an- 
other occasion, Eirek spoke of the lands of Mis- 


SELMA. 


45 


tress Lano, whicli adjoined his own, and expressed 
a desire that they might be consolidated. Thor- 
wald sympathized in this wish and enquired ii 
any terms of purchase could be effected with 
the present owner. 

Thus baffled, Eirek, recalling the days of his 
own youth, remembered that fancy and pity, not 
interest, had prompted his love for Idumah, and 
determined by the same means to break, if it 
were possible, the chain of sad memories in 
which Thorwald was enslaved. 

At the summer solstice among other religious 
rites, was celebrated a festival in honor of Frigga, 
the patroness of love and domestic joy — when 
the entire population gave themselves to social 
pleasures. The preparations were this year un- 
usually magnificent, the feast was to close with 
games, music, and a dance by moonlight. After 
consulting the omens, Eirek decided upon this 
as a propitious moment for the inauguration of 
his designs. He therefore called upon the 
widow of his old friend, and confided to her his 
wishes. The fame of Thorwald’s prowess, 
bea|’’^" ^ wealth, were all in his favor and 


46 SELMA. 

when Eirek mentioned the advantages which 
would result from a union of the two estates, 
Lano cordially assented and promised her aid. 

Accordingly when, on the last evening of 
the festival, after much persuasion, Thorwald, 
accompanied his father to the garden, the rich 
widow and her beautiful daughter met them, ap- 
parently by accident, at the entrance of the illu- 
minated booths. After a formal salutation, Lano 
introduced Rhenah and as a promenade was about 
to begin, Eirek asked the young girl to honor 
his son with her company. The blood rushed 
into Thorwald’s face at this seeming thought- 
lessness of his father, but he bowed in acknowl 
edgement of her acceptance and walked with 
her though the grove. Disturbed by the noisy 
merriment, he unconsciously sought the more 
sequestered paths. The deep unclouded heaven, 
the retired, moonlit arbors, the music softened 
by distance, and the companionship of a beauti- 
ful girl, were well calculated to rouse feelings 
natural to the youthful heart. But no tender 
sentiment rose in Thorwald’s breast. He re- 
marked with careless eye that his companion 


SELMA. 


47 


was handsome in feature, blooming in com- 
plexion, robust in figure and diffident in manner. 
Nothing to suggest his lost ideal — and after an 
almost silent walk, he returned Rhenah to her 
mother, who thanked him for his escort, re- 
marked that it was a pity such near neighbors 
should remain strangers, and asked him to pay 
them a visit, an invitation which he formally ac- 
cepted, joined his father and returned home. 

Eirek did not fail to remind Thorwald of his 
promise, and in a few days the visit was made : 
being graciously received, they repeated it many 
times during the brief summer and when the 
early frosts drove them from grove and garden, 
they often found relief from loneliness at the 
fireside of their hospitable neighbor. 

Rhenah was agreeable, well-dressed, hand- 
some ; quietly listening to the conversation of 
her elders and expressing sympathy by manner 
rather than words when Thorwald sang of love 
and war. 

The winter passed slowly, leaving Thorwald’s 
fancy untouched, for his heart lay buried in 
Selma's grave. To such constant natures true 


4S 


SELMA. 


love comes but once ; fancy may take an airy 
flight, passion for a moment gain ascendency, 
interest prompt the outward semblance of affec- 
tion, but pure, unreflecting devotion, self-abne- 
gation that includes the entire being, and ideal- 
izes the adored object, when such love is possi- 
ble in a human soul, it is from the very nature 
of things, single and exclusive. The rose is 
but once a bud — the day can have but one dawn 
the year one springtime — the heart one idol. 
Happier is he who worships a lost ideal, than 
he who lives on with an idol dethroned! 

Eirek, well aware of the profound depths of 
Thorwald’s character, used argument and influ- 
ence sparingly ; making slow progress in the 
scheme that lay so near his heart — a familiar 
friendship between the families was the only 
result 

Another winter approached and no love token 
gave promise of closer union. At length as is 
often the case, a fortuitous event turned the 
scale. By an accident Lano was mortally in- 
jured, •and, after a few hours of suffering died 
commending her orphan child to Ejrek’s care, 


SP.LMA. 


4^ 

Again he ventured to address Thorwald upon 
the subject of marriage. 

“ My son,” he said, “ accept the decrees of 
Fate. It was ordained that Selma should go 
early to the gardens of the blessed, while thou 
must remain on earth. I would not have thee 
forget the lost one, but fidelity to the dead does 
not preclude kindness to the living. The same 
power that hides Selma from your eyes, places 
Rhenah in your path. She is desolate, I am 
her guardian ; yield to manifest destiny, facilitate 
my management of the estates by their con- 
solidation, give her a home, thyself a companion, 
and our lonely fireside a house-mother.” 

“ Oh father,” Thorwald replied, “ I have no 
love for Rhenah. My heart, revolting from this 
union, strangely misgives me, the image of my 
lost darling stands between me and all others, 
1 would not, I could not, banish it.” 

“ Thorwald,” answered Eirek, “ thou art un- 
reasonable, and morbid. Four years have passed 
since Selma died, thou canst not always live 
alone, the thought of thy desolation when I 
must leave thee, saddens me. What were my 


50 


S/iZA/J. 


old age without my beloved son? I conjure 
thee to drive away the phantoms of despond- 
ency and let reason assert her sway.” 

Earnestly, Eirek continued to urge, there was 
nothing to offer against his entreaties but a sel- 
fish grief, a dead love, a hopeless memory that 
returned naught but despair. 

“ Give me a few more sacred months to con- 
sider, but speak no further upon this subject,” 
said Thorwald, and retired to the hills. 

At last he yielded to a sense of duty and filial 
affection, saying briefly to his father, “ I live for 
thee alone.” 

Eirek made every arrangement, and on 
mother night, the darkest and saddest of the 
year, he took Rhenah to his home. There was 
no festivity or any sign of joy, Lanos’ recent 
death was excuse sufficient for such omission, 
but the customary presents to the bride were 
made, and Thorwald received from her estate 
the usual heimen Jilgia, or marriage portion. 

For a little time Thorwald almost hoped that 
love had again found a place in his life. But 
the rosy halo that encircles a beloved brow, 


SELMA. 


51 


faded rapidly in the chill air of Rhenah’s every 
day presence. She brought her husband in- 
creased fortune, she was every way attentive to 
his interests — the house was in perfect order, 
the table well spread, the linen spotless, the 
servants admirably managed. Thorwald, young, 
rich, gifted, with such a wife, was envied by all ; 
he should have been proud and happy, but he 
could not conceal from himself a growing sense 
of dissatisfaction. His quick honor took alarm, 
he accused himself of fault, and when, after long 
self-examination, he found every impulse of his 
own nature loyal and tender, he turned to scru- 
tinize carefully the character of his wife. 

She seemed to him like a marble image, a 
painted landscape, or a scene in winter, where 
all is still and dead beneath the touch of frost. 
Where were the flitting lights and shadows, the 
sunburst and gloom, the stir of the elements, 
the quivering leaves, the breathing or wailing 
winds, the weeping showers, the constant change 
that tells of life and spirit. 

In vain he sang songs new and old, read 
charming sagas, or discoursed of distant lands. 


SULMA. 


of wars and voyages. No responsive sigh, 
flushed cheek, soft glance or quick answer, as- 
sured him of intuitive sympathy and apprecia- 
tion. How eagerly he listened for a magnetic 
tone in word or speech, an echo of his own 
voice like that which once had thrilled his soul. 
How earnestly he looked into the cold blue eyes, 
to see beyond only an arid plain, and turned 
with a shiver to dream of the rays that flashed 
from Selma’s violet orbs, a light from altar fires 
within, illuminating the chambers of her soul, 
revealing each shade of thought, each flitting 
emotion, and quickening his heart with deep 
and holy passions; perennial fires, which might 
be obscured, but not extinguished, when sleep 
or death draws close the azure curtain. 

In time he grew restless or moody, a prey to 
self-accusation and self-reproach — incongenial- 
ity, like a mildew, blighted every joy of the pre- 
sent, and mists of undefined apprehension veiled 
the future. 

Thus a year passed away, and when the spring- 
time came, with the birds and the flowers, a lit- 
tle child appeared among them, warmly wel- 


SELMA. 


5^ 


corned by the father, but coldly received by 
Rhenah, for the stranger was not a son as she 
had desired, to strengthen and glorify her house. 

The child was named Idumah and early gave 
indication that her character would be of the 
paternal type. The father’s voice would soon- 
est soothe her infant sorrows, and at the sound 
of the harp, tears of rapture would fill he'* inno- 
cent eyes. 

Old Eirek, who had with grief perceived the 
want of congeniality between Thorwald and 
Rhenah, rejoiced that a new bond was estab- 
lished which might cement the union, but this 
hope was doomed to disappointment. The love 
lavished by Thorwald upon the little Idumah 
roused Rhenah’s jealousy; she neglected the 
child, left her to the care of servants, and be- 
came absorbed in the more congenial duties of 
housewifery. Occasionally, there was a fallaci- 
ous attempt at happiness like a gleam of sun- 
shine in the house, but the succeeding chill gave 
painful evidence of the irreconcilable incongen- 
iality in two natures, so fatally united, so hope- 
lessly divergent. 


54 


SELMA. 


Ten monotinous years went by, The daughter 
grew in stature and beauty, her delicate color 
changed with every emotion, her slender figure 
and proud features bespoke the noble blood of 
her father’s house. 

Rhenah had changed during these years. The 
color that once brightly painted her cheeks was 
now excessive ; her features were broad, her 
figure heavy. Her disposition, from being cold, 
had become fretful ; the slightest infringement 
upon the order of the household annoyed her. 
Thorwald’s fondness for historic lore, for music 
and poetry disgusted her commonplace prac- 
ticality, a sentiment she did not hesitate to ex- 
press openly. 

And Thorwald, too, was changed — now in 
his thirty-fifth year, in the fulness of manly 
beauty, his high blood and breeding were mani- 
fest in every glance and motion. Frequent 
vi.sits to Upsal perpetuated his natural taste for 
courtly manners and rich attire, and of all the 
young nobles who appeared at court, he was 
considered the paragon, 

At this period a change in the religious ideas 


'SELMA, 


oi the northern nations was gradually taking 
place. The lofty poetry and supernaturalism 
of the Hebrew religion and its imposing ritual, 
adapted to the gorgeous pageants of heathen- 
dom' by the Romish Church, attracted and held 
the attention of a race of men, poetic in temper- 
ament and barbaric in taste. With these, they 
imbibed the gentle influences of Christianity, 
which, although not yet prevalent, had already 
softened the ferocity of the Scandinavian tribes. 

For several years peace had prevailed, and 
the rich nobles devoted their energies more 
than ever before to agriculture. Thorwald 
found constant occupation in the management 
of two large estates, and the fisheries connected 
with his grandfather’s domain. The sacrifices 
of the vernal and autumnal equinox, the feasts 
of the summer and winter solstice, the enter- 
tainment of a royal party, a peaceful voyage of 
commerce or a fishing excursion after harvest, 
were the only variations from ordinary life. 

To his father, who was now growing old, for 
Eirek had married late in life, Thorwald was de- 
ferential and attentive — to his wife respectful 


HklkA. 


and generous, but upon Idumah he lavished all 
the tenderness of a great heart. This promising 
child could already repeat many a grand saga 
and sing many stirring songs. She perceived 
the want of congenialitx’ between her parents, 
by innate sympathy she realized without fully 
comprehending, the superiority of her father, 
while with precocious magnanimity she excused 
the mother’s faults. 

As music was distasteful to Rhenah, the harp 
was banished to the Red Tower, and thither did 
I'horwald and his daughter resort to pursue the 
tastes so inherent in their nature. Old Eirek 
was always their companion in the evening, and 
after Idumah was called to her chamber by the 
systematic mother, would sit far into the night, 
discoursing with his son upon topics of mutual 
interest, though, as yet, he had never directly 
alluded to Thorwald’s domestic trouble. 

Upon one occasion, after a long silence dur- 
ing which a remarkable solemnity overspread 
the old man’s face, he laid aside the reserve 
which had so long sealed his lips. 

“ My beloved son,” said he, “ thou only re- 


SELMA. 


57 


minder of my youth and lost happiness, I have 
long observed and lamented thy misfortunes : 
the more so because I am responsible for them. 
I am filled with self-reproach. I urged thee 
against thy better judgment. Thou art ill-mated, 
unhappy, and thy father’s wish was the cause. 
If the sacrifice of my life would avail aught, how 
gladly would I yield it ! ” 

“ Do not reproach thyself, dear father,” said 
Thorwald. “ Thou didst urge to what appeared 
the best and wisest course. I also was deluded. 
I sinned against the profound convictions of my 
heart. Yet we were both governed by unsel- 
fish motives. If we are men we shall patiently 
abide the consequences of our error. I have 
strength to bear what fate decrees. The mem- 
ory of Selma keeps my heart alive, the l@ve of 
yourself and Idumah makes it warm. Rest con- 
tent, dear father, let not these thoughts trouble 
thee more.” 

“ Thorwald,” he solemnly answered, “ the sun 
of Eirek’s life hangs low in the western sky 5 
soon it will disappear forever in the unknown 
sea, Yestereen, lying upon my bed in strange 


'SELMA 


5B 

wakefulness, a heavy breath swelled through the 
night like the sound of the sea before the rising 
storm, and in the hush that followed, I heard 
the voice of my beloved, ‘ Come away, come 
away, dear Eirek, join me in the verdant hills, 
wander with me in the gardens below, where 
winter and night are unknown.’ And now, dear 
Thorwald, I must obey this call. The gray 
Norn stands in my pathway, the thread of life 
is almost severed. Do not grieve, do not detain 
me. I feel neither fear nor sorrow, for Idumah 
awaits me in the mansions of delight.” 

A shadow fell on Thorwald’s soul, he knew 
the prophetic meaning of Eirek’s vision, but he 
comforted his father by loving words, and after 
much discourse led him gently to his chamber. 
And when the next morning’s sun came forth 
in all its splendor, it woke no consciousness in 
the cold still face, for the soul had left its worn- 
out tenement, and on the wings of everlasting 
youth had soared away to the regions of the 
blest. 

While Eirek lived, 'f'horwald respectfully de- 
ferred to him in the management of the estate 

v9 


SELMA- 


59 


striving to forward all his schemes. Great re- 
sults were thus accomplished ; herds of cattle, 
sheep and swine swarmed in the fields and for. 
ests ; rafts of timber were floated to the cities, 
piles of logs were stored for fuel, the harvests 
were bountiful, the tenantry thriving and happy. 
Thorwald, now sole master of this noble domain, 
pursued the same just and generous course that 
had characterized his father’s rule. He, how- 
ever, introduced new methods, improved th • 
lands, hedges and buildings, cleared the water- 
courses, paved the roads and beautified the gar- 
dens. Upon the pillars of hall and portico, 
agreeable to the fashion of the times, he engraved 
with his own hands scenes and mythological de- 
signs, he built walls and towers and arches, so 
that the estate became as noted for its elegance 
as for its thrift. 

In all these improvements he was opposed by 
the ignoble Rhenah, whose parsimony and ill- 
temper grew with years, and who counted every- 
thing wasted that did not fill st< re or coffer 
Thorwald never discussed or disputed with his 
wife, but, while he yielded to her all domestic 


6o 


SELMA. 


management, persistently carried out his plans 
of improvement. 

In the house the loom was always in motion, 
the shelves were piled with linen and woollen 
fabrics, the cupboards were filled with honey 
and confections of wild fruit, the larder groaned 
with the flesh of game and domestic animals, 
while the dressers of the dining-hall were bright 
with polished drinking cups, made from the 
curved horns of wild bulls and tipped with sil- 
ver and gold, recently introduced by southern 
traders. 

Such was the condition of affairs, a year after 
Erick’s death. Thorwald had accepted his lot. 
He was busy during the day overseeing the la- 
borers and instructing his daughter, and at 
evening, when the uncongenial speech and chil- 
ling glance of Rhenah repelled him from the 
domestic hearth, he retired to the Chamber of 
Music and solaced himself with saga or song 
Often The Farewell trembled on his lips, he 
never breathed the song of The Return. 

To Torman he had never spoken since the 
melancholy hour when he was informed of Sel- 


^klMAi 


5i 

iiiel's death. The old man was how dead, and 
the servant Jarric, a rough character, hated and 
feared, had recently fled on account of a man- 
slaughter in which he was concerned. Thor- 
wald was well satisfied at his disappearance, for 
a sinister look in this man’s face, whenever they 
chanced to meet, puzzled and annoyed him. 
Years ago he ceased to visit the Balderspur, 
where painful associations disturbed the equan- 
imity it was the struggle of his life to preserve, 
for in that wild and lonely spot, not only Selma 
but his father and mother had been laid. His 
real life was buried in the shadow of the crag, 
his present state in the valley below, was simple 
existence. Love and hope were dead, a patient 
cakn that was almost despair had taken their 
place. The kiss of his little daughter or the 
grasp of Olaf’s hand, were more to him than the 
responsive love-light of a woman’s eye. He 
hoped not, nor wished it otherwise. 

Grateful is the twilight rest after the hour of toil ; 

Welcome is midnight shadow after the glare of day ; 

Most welcome the sleep of death, when the travail of life is 
done. 


smlma, 


hi 

Thofwald fancied he conld already feel 

“ The ever growing calm and hush 
With which our mother Nature, on her breast, 
Lulls all her children to their final rest. 

His only wish that he could be 
Across a dim unfathomed sea 
With Selma evermore ! ” 

Alas, how heavy is the veil that hides the fu- 
ture ! How dark and circumscribed our vision ! 
How swift and sharp the stroke of fate ! The 
storm in ocean cave silently and slowly gathers 
through sultry summer days, yet, in a moment, 
bursts and engulfs a fleet. The earthquake, 
slumbering for ages in the womb of the earth, 
in a moment wakes, and by one throe levels a 
city in the dust. 

Oh, Thorwald ! rouse thee from this treach. 
erous calm, behold, the Blind Sisters three, 
weave the web of thy destiny. 

Nay, he sees not, he pauses not, like all of 
human kind he must go on and meet his doom ! 


SELMA. 


63 


THE TEMPEST OF FATE. 

Torkan, the cousin of Selma, who inherited 
the lands after his father’s death, was an early 
admirer of Rhenah and showed himself affronted 
by her hasty marriage. He had remained sin- 
gle, and of late years manifested a great regard 
for the family of Thorwald. Though his selfish 
nature and coarse manners were a barrier to 
anything like friendship, he was a frequent visi- 
tor at the castle, tolerated by the master, wel- 
comed by the house-mother. Thorwald, loyal 
and unsuspicious in character and not made 
sensitive through affection for Rhenah, deemed 
not that these visits were prompted by aught 
but neighborly kindness. Can jealousy live in 
a heart where love is dead .? 

One memorable evening in autumn, Thor- 


wald came in late from the forest where he had 
remained through the day with his workmen, 
glad to escape the discomforts of the house. He 
took his supper in silence, and after Idumah 
had retired to rest, went alone to the Chamber 
of Music. He was too listless and tired to light 
a lamp or to try the harp, but sat by the open 
window watching the ghost-like vapor rising 
from the waterfall and flitting round the Crag- 
Sad memories filled his soul and deep sighs 
heaved his bosom. Alone, in the darkness there 
was no need of disguise. For some reason he 
could not explain, the burdens of life had this 
day seemed heavier than usual. The question- 
ings inseparable from a philosophic mind, forced 
themselves upon him. He gazed long and 
earnestly at the quiet stars and sighed. “ These 
shine and smile forever, looking down upon 
solemn mountains and tranquil lakes that 
placidly reflect their beauty ; the winds roam at 
will, bend the tree tops or ripple the water, the 
ocean laves the shore, the clouds float calmly in 
the vault of heaven, the sun and moon rise and 
set in serene majesty — all is order, harmony and 


SELMA. 




peace, no pain or sorrow, anguish, tears or 
death ! “ The heavens keep up their terrible 

composure, while all animate creation, even 
man the master, more intensely from his very 
superiority, struggles and suffers, falters and 
dies. Why must the twin brothers, good anti 
evil, eternally mingle in the affairs of m.en ? No 
answer is given — and I must carry ni)' burden 
alone, unflinching till death. Oh, Selma, Sel- 
ma, what undiscovered land conceals thee, sweet 
soul } ” 

Suddenly the reverie was broken by the dou- 
ble sound of footsteps passing down the garden- 
walk. The night was still and damp, he hears 
low confidential voices, recognized at once as 
those of Rhenah and Torkan. 

“ And by the laws of the land.” said the voice 
of Torkan, “ thou must ever submit to this 
slave’s life — tied to a dreamer, a ghost. Thou 
so comely and thrifty, a fortune in thyself, not 
to speak of thy broad lands. Thou .should’st 
have wed a man, my Rhenah ; but, ‘ wed in 
haste, repent at leisure.’ ” 

“ Aye, aye, no doubt I was a foolish young 


66 


SELMA. 


thing, but how could I know that he would be 
such a distempered nithing, forever gazing at 
the moon, or thrumming those stupid strings, 
wasting his fortune and mine in wild fancies- 
Little he cares for wife or family, save our puny 
Idumah, who much resembles him, poor worth- 
less thing !” 

“ He prizes thee little, as I well ca.n see, that 
irks me most,” replied her companion. 

“ Aye, aye,” said Rhenah, “ it is no fault of 
mine that he is sullen and exacting. I hate his 
lofty ways, he tires me, I do not understand him 
as I do thee, dear Torkan. And yet he is my 
lord, I must obey his will.” 

“ But thou may’st sue for separation.” 

“ Aye, and be compelled to leave with him 
my rich mundr'' said Rhenah, “ that would 
not suit thy purpose or mine. Nay, good Tor- 
kan, I must not listen to thy words. The rod 
hangs over my shoulders, the sword above my 
head, the law is harsh,, both our lives are in 
peril,” 

“ Thy last words, my Rhenah, remind me that 
other than ourselves are mortal. If this dis- 


SELMA. 


67 


tempered nithing should some night slip from 
a crag ? Ha ! death has ere this cut many a 
troublesome knot, else I were not now the owner 
of a large estate.” 

“ Prithee cease,” said Rhenah, “ no allusion 
to the sickly Selma, beloved by Thorwald and 
by thyself also I do believe.” 

“ Art jealous ? Then take this answer to thy 
nonsense,” said Torkan, giving her an em- 
brace. 

“ Hush,” said Rhenah, “ methinks I hear the 
sound of the harp — either the night wind plays 
a witchcraft or you chamber contains the sub- 
ject of our discourse.” 

With quickened steps they passed down the 
walk leaving Thorwald motionless with aston- 
ishment. He had observed a familiarity be- 
tween Rhenah and their neighbor, but his own 
nature was so loyal, he had never for one mo- 
ment harbored distrust of his wife’s honor. He 
was amazed at her audacity till he remembered 
a* promise he had made to attend the evening 
council at the Thingstadt, he being hofgodi, 
or judge of the herad. He had forgotten the 


68 


SELMA. 


appointment, but it was evident Rhenah remem- 
bered it and believed him absent. 

In a moment the fierce blood of the vikings 
rushed through his veins, the impulse of ven- 
geance seized him. He snatched his sword' 
the weapon so valiantly used in war against the 
Britions, he would deal out swift justice to the 
dastardly enemies of his own household ; but, 
from long disuse, the blade had rusted in the 
scabbard, and his feverish strength availed but 
to detach the handle. He threw the useless 
weapon aside, and with flashing eye searched 
the apartment for other means of ven- 
geance. 

During this momentary delay the plotters dis- 
appeared, but their footsteps could be heard re- 
treating toward the hills. Thorwald leaned 
from the window to assure himself ; nothing but 
the melancholy sound of a cricket now disturbed 
the still air. What he had seen and heard 
seemed so improbable he doubted the evidence 
of his senses, and half believed himself the sport 
of some mischievous elf or fairy. But all that 
was impetuous and violent in his nature was 


SELMA. 69 

roused ; nothing less than a miracle could check 
his passion. 

He left the tower and hurried up the steep, 
just as the moon peered over the crest of the 
mountain ; he listened attentively but nothing 
indicated the presence of the culprits. Starting 
forward in pursuit, he suddenlystumbled against 
some object in his pathway, and looking down 
saw the slant moonbeams resting upon Selma’s 
grave. The miracle was wroughl, a revuL 
sion of feeling overpowered him — he sank upon 
the mound, and the crushed violets sent up a 
soft perfume. 

“ P'orget-me-not,” he cried ; “ dear one, I did 
forget. Forgive me, Selma, bestow some token 
of thy pardon ! ” 

Near the grave was the rock of tryst, he had 
not visited the spot since the memorable night 
when his mother’s shadowy hand directed him 
thither. An irresistible impulse now drew him 
on. Again he stood upon the verge of the cliff, 
and gazed into the whirling waters, and as he 
contrasted the sunshine of his youth with the 
black tempest overshadowing his manhood, his 


70 


SELMA. 


impatient feet stamped the sod beneath. I'lie 
shallow earth slipped from the rock and fell ' 
with a loud splash into the pool below. 

The moon is mounting higher, it floods the 
gorge with yellow light, it creeps to the rock at 
his feet. He starts, his eyes are blinded ; he 
passes his hand across them, he gazes stupified. 

What, his own name graven upon the rock 
just uncovered } Impossible ! In great agita- 
tion he kneels and carefully removes the still 
adhering moss. 

L© a rune ! graven in the delicate characters 
he had himself taught Selma to form. He 
reads : — 

“ My life they would take. 

But seek me, dear Thorwald, 

I’ll live for thy sake.” 

For a moment the unhappy man thought 
himself mocked by spirits of earth or air ; he 
dared not believe his eyes, but beneath the 
curved lines was the Secret Rune, to be used 
only in great emergencies. All doubt vanished 
and a torrent of self-reproach succeeded. 

“ Oh, fool and madman to neglect the -only 


SELMA. 


71 


/spot where Selma could have left a message] 
Oh, blind and dull, so to mistake the gesture of 
fdumah’s ghost ! Selma is not dead — not 
dead ; now fourteen years are worse than wasted 
— no word or token, she cannot be among the 
living. What is left for me, but to end remorse 
and life this moment ? ” 

He bent over the inscription, “ Seek me, dear 
I’horwald.” A ray of hope illuminated his soul, 
his purpose was changed ; he would not die, life 
was precious — he would search the world for 
some trace of the lost one till death should 
overtake him. 

He looked up, the moonlight shining through 
the mists produced that beautiful apparition 
called a lunar rainbow, it spanned the chasm 
its pale colors changing position as the mist 
swayed in the breeze. “ The bridge of the 
gods,” said Thorwald, “ the omen is propitious. 
But can that pathway be trod by mortal man.? 
For Selma’s sake I will essay the task.” 

He covered the precious rune with moss and 
returned home. All desire for vengeance had 
left his breast. The events of the evening 


SELMA. 


72 

seemed trivial, only that they had led to the 
wonderful discovery. What were Rhenah, and 
Torkan, what all the world beside, if Selma 
were still li\dng ? With every moment, the 
blissful conviction of such a possibility grew in 
strength. He hastened to the tower, arranged 
his affairs for a protracted absence, took from 
his coffers the gold necessary for a long jour- 
ney, and, thoroughly exhausted by the events 
and emotions of the evening, threw himself up- 
on the bed, and sank into heavy slumber. 

When he entered the dining hall next morn- 
ing, and saw Rhenah at the head of his table, 
a loathing, scarcely concealed, for a moment 
overcame hini, his lips tightly compressed, and 
his eyes flashed with contempt. He however 
took the repast in silence. The attendants 
were awed by his unwonted sternness, but 
Idumah crept closely to his side, and embracing 
him, whispered, 

“ Hear father, thy face is cold and thine eyes 
averted.” 

“ Ho not fear, little one,” he replied, kissing 
her tenderly. “ Sudden business calls thy 


SELMA. 


73 

father from home, but his daughter will be re- 
membered, and he will return to her.” 

Her quick, clinging embrace and tearfu eyes 
almost unmanned him, but whispering softly, 
“ Thou too must be rescued,” he rose, left the 
hall quickly, went into the fields, made every 
arrangement with Steinar for an indefinite ab- 
sence. He then bade Idumah farewell; and, at- 
tended by a single groom, rode rapidly away 
without again entering the castle. 

He turned his steed toward Upsal, for who 
could be both confidant and adviser save his 
powerful friend, Olaf, prince of Norland 


74 SELMA, 


A RIFT IN THE CLOUDS. 

“ And oh thy voice, it rose so musical 
Amid the hollow pauses of the storm. 

At the sweet sound the winds forgot to rave. 

He rode with reckless haste, and on the tenth 
day beheld the golden roof of the great temple 
of Upsal glittering in the sunset rays, and gal- 
loping rapidly on, was soon in the courtyard 
of the palace, where the prince was then re- 
siding. Being announced, he was received 
joyfully by Olaf, who immediately brought him 
to the banquet hall. Here in the brilliant light 
he remarked a change in the countenance of 
his friend, which had escaped notice in the 
twilight of the corridor. To his an.xious in- 
quiries, Thorwald answered, “ I implore thee, 
most noble prince, question me not in presence 
of thy guests; when supper is over, I have 


1 


SELMA. 


75 


somewhat of importance to communicate to 
thee alone.” The feast was hastened ; the 
wassail ended ; the friends retired to an inner 
chamber; and when the attendants were dis- 
missed, Thorwald related the strange story of 
the last eventful days, the startling revelation 
of Rhenah’s disloyalty, the amazing discovery 
upon the Crag of Balderspur. 

Obf greatly astonished, offered his friend 
advice andgenerous sympathy. Earnestly they 
discussed this extraordinary emergency, pro- 
longing the consultation late into the night. 
The prince agreed with Thorwald that if Selma 
were in the north country, he would certainly 
have received some token during these long 
years. If she were still living, it must be in 
some distant country. Therefore he proposed 
that Thorwald should go and search for her in 
foreign lands. For this purpose he offered to 
place at his disposal his swiftest ship, called the 
Winged Wind, manned by brave and skilful 
sailors. 

“ The voyage,” said Olaf, “ will extend over 
many months, perchance years ; thou must go 


76 


SELMA. 


forth equipped for war no less than peace ; our 
enemies are many, their white sails dot the 
sea. I shall give thee for sailors, a crew who 
are also warriors, who have just captured the 
richest prize ever brought into the port. 

“ These tried and valiant men must have rest 
before another adventure. Moreover, the 
Winged Wind has seen rough service and needs 
repairing. Arrangements for such a voyage 
will occupy many days.” 

Seeing Thorwald’s look of disappointment 
at this unwelcome delay, he added cheerfully; 
“ Meantime we must occupy ourselves among 
the spoils and thou shalt aid me in a just dis- 
tribution. And I would have thine advice con- 
cerning the captives. The new religion, which 
many of our people have adopted, forbids their 
sacrifice to the gods ; at which I do rejoice, for 
my heart revolts at the slaughter of brave 
men. 

“ Among these captives is one wholly unlike 
the others, a woman, very fair, with features 
and form of heavenly beauty ; the sailors of the 
captured craft regard her with superstitious 


SELMA. 


77 


reverence, for she has the voice of a siren ; so 
great is its magic they declare the winds and 
waves pause to listen. 

“ We would hear this marvellous voice, and 
have therefore ordered that she appear in the 
audience chamber to-morrow night. Thither 
thou shalt repair with me, my Thorwald, and for 
the hour forget thy trouble. I well know thou 
art susceptible to such influence, being thyself 
both poet and skald.” 

“ Forgive me,” answered Thorald ; “ if I de- 
cline to accompany thee. Music makes me sad, 
it is associated with every thought of Selma.” 

“ Nevertheless,” said Olaf, “ 1 must urge 
thee. Hospitality no less than friendship for- 
bids that thou shouldst be left in solitude. 1 
cannot enter the hall without thy company.” 

“ As thou wilt,” said Thorwald, “ I can but 
obey passively.” 

The n'ext day all was bustle and animation in 
the royal palace. Heaps of foreign goods lay 
in the halls ; hamjrers of rare fruit, the golden 
m ange and rich pomegranite. Dark men in 
strange attire, guarded by Norse soldiers,brought 


SELMA. 


78 

in the spoils; a large amount of gold was added 
to the royal coffers, and choice fabrics filled the 
wardrobes. 

The fight upon the high seas had been 
stoutly contested, but victory rested with the 
Northern rovers. Every face brightened with 
the pride of triumph, and Thorwald catching 
the inspiration of the moment took a hopeful 
view of the future. 

At high noon, a solemn sacrifice was offered, 
but no human blood flowed into the brazen ket- 
tles 

When evening approached, the audience 
chamber was brilliantly lighted, and trophies of 
victory were hung upon the wall. Into this 
hall now gathered grave councillors, haughty 
warriors, lovely dames, students from the sacred 
groves, and white-haired prophetesses upon 
whose entrance the assembly stood up. And 
lastly, the royal party took the gallery reserved 
for their especial use. By the side of the prince 
sat Thorwald, taller, and more beautiful, than 
Olaf, and robed in garments scarcely less mag- 
nificent than those of royalty itself. 


SELMA. 


79 

At the opposite end of the chamber was a 
broad platform adorned with evergreen trees 
and garlands ; scarlet ash berries brightened the 
boughs, a carpet of moss covered the floor, and 
rocks skilfully placed, finished the woodland 
scene. 

The burst of applause which welcomed the 
royal train, also signalled the appearance of the 
singer. 

A wide door in rear of the stage swung open. 
Beyond was moonlight, silvering a rugged cliff 
upon which stood a female figure robed in white. 
She descended, and as a draught through the 
open door caught the light drapery and flowing 
hair, she seemed a goddess or walkyria alighting 
from the clouds. As she advanced and stood 
upon the mossy floor, her white form relieved 
against the evergreens, the grace and poetry of 
every motion, the marvellous beauty of each 
feature, astonished the beholders ; this was less 
woman than spirit, and stern men held their 
breath, lest by some rude shock she should be- 
come alarmed and flit from sight forever. 

A profound silence reigned throughout the 


8o 


SELMA, 


hall till presently a musical sound thrilled the 
air, so breath-like, vibrating, diffusive, none 
could tell whence it came, but all were con- 
scious that it took the form of song. 

THE SONG. 

“ From distant lands I captive come, 

To scenes beloved and early home. 

I breathe again my native air, 

It’s zephyrs kiss my cheek, my hair. 

I view again the crystal skies ; 

The polar star salutes mine eyes ; 

I should exult, be happy, gay, 

With vine-wreaths crown the festal day.” 

Here the tone changed to a melancholy ca- 
dence that caused a shiver to run through the 
veins of each listener. 

“ But the stars blink pale, 

And the pine trees wail, 

T'he dead leaves are tossed. 

And a wind from the sea 
Murmurs drearily 
Of hopes that are Mst.” 

The music died away, and deej) silence suc- 
ceeded, 


SELMA. 


8l 


The hearers were spellbound, — the heavenly 
purity of the apparition, the magnetism and 
melancholy of the voice affected them strangely. 
Tears filled the eyes of many a fair dame, and 
haughty heads were bowed to conceal unmanly 
emotion. 

But to one listener that song was like the 
stroke bf doom. When the door of the stage 
swung open, Thorwald raised his eyes with lan- 
guid curiosity, fancying he could behold no 
woman with interest, but something in this form 
and movement attracted him irresistibly. As 
it advanced, his heart stood still — here were the 
features, complexion and hair of Selma ! — 
another glance and he grew calm. Selma was 
of that fragile form the blasts of northern hills 
threatened to carry away ; this woman was 
stately, glowing with richest bloom. Upon her 
face were visible those marks of power which 
imply vast experience and self-subjection, no less 
than self-assertion, a soul solitary, grand, unap- 
proachable. The likeness to Selma, was a strange 
coincidence, nothing more. 

She sang — his brain was in a whirl. He had 


82 


SELMA. 


accompanfed that song with harp and voice, the 
music of The Return, but not the words of olden 
times. His soul listened, his heart interpreted, 
his whole nature cried out : “ Thou art Selma, 
mine own, mine own ! ” Was Selma living and 
so near ? He feared he was becoming mad ; he 
could hear the throb of his pulses ; his sight was 
blurred ; his strength failed. To remain longer 
in the hall without betrayal, was impossible. 
Making an excuse to the prince for his abrupt- 
ness, he rose and hastened to the open air 
walked fast and far along the river bank, hoping 
thereby to collect his senses and calm the un- 
wonted agitation. At length, increasing shad- 
ows, as the moon sank in the west, warned him 
of the passing hours. He retraced his steps and 
reached the palace court just as a prolonged 
burst of applause gave token that the singer 
had retired. 


SELMA. 


83 


tup: captive’s story. 

He entered the quarters appropriated to the 
captives and placing a purse of gold in the 
hands of the guard, said, “ Convey this message 
to the foreign lady, A friend from Norland, 
would have speech with thee'.' 

In a few moments the man returned and beck- 
oned Thorwald to follow. At the end of a long 
hall was a door which the guide opened and 
motioned him to enter. There was no person 
in the chamber, and hastily glancing around, he 
perceived that the furniture, pictures and orna- 
ments were unfamiliar. In a silver shrine was the 
carved image of a man in the agonies of death, 
hanging upon a tree similar to the Ygdrassil, or 
sacred ash. Thorwald had scarcely time to re- 
member, that this was said to be the sacred 


84 


SELMA. 


symbol of the new religion, when an inner 
door opened, and the captive lady was before 
him. For a moment she stood irresolute, sur- 
veying the visitor with a cautious glance. In the 
tall, powerful form, stern features, dark beard 
and embroidered robe of the man who awaited 
her coming, she recognized nothing familiar, no 
acquaintance or friend. 

Thorwald pronounced her name ; a flash of 
recognition lighted her face ; all doubt vanished, 
and with an answering cry of “ Thorwald ! ” she 
sprang into the arms opened to receive her. 

After a few moments in which both were too 
greatly agitated for words, Thorwald spoke, — 

“ Dear Selma, my heart knew thee in the 
hall of music, though thou art greatly changed 
After all these hopeless years, oh rest ! oh rap- 
ture ! I hold thee again, mine own, mine own 
And yet thou wert dead ; I wept upon thy 
grave ! ” 

“ Thou thoughtest me dead Nay,nay,I lived 
for thee ; for this blessed hour when my longing 
eyes again behold thee, though thou too art 
changed, my Thorwald. But the night of my 


85 


SELMA. 

exile, and all my trials are as a dream ; day 
dawns ; I wake ; I live again in the sunlight of 
thy love.” 

“ They told me thou wert dead and buried in 
the pine grove — Torman, and Jarric, and Gud- 
nina.” 

“ They plotted for my destruction ; they be- 
lieved I was dead ; but not that I was buried in 
the pine grove.” 

“ Tell me, dear Selma, how this could be.” 

“ Thou shalt hear the story. My uncle, per- 
ceiving that I should never wed Torkan, deter- 
mined by any means to possess himself of the 
estate. He had gained some mysterious power 
over the man Jarric, and I often saw them con- 
sulting together, and by their lowering glances 
knew 1 was the subject of their thought, 

“ One dark night, too anxious to sleep, I sat 
watchful by a window in the old tower, and 
overheard the conspirators. Under some pre- 
tence I was to be taken to the island where the 
cattle are pastured in the time of drought, and 
left upon a lonely rock to perish. My blood 
curdled with fear as I listened, remembering 


86 


SELMA. 


that the place is always flooded at high tide, as 
also when the wind sets from the west. Not 
daring to stir, I remained in the tower till day- 
break, pondering through the long hours of 
darkness upon my defenceless situation,^ At 
length I devised an expedient whereby I might 
possibly escape the worst extremity of their 
malice. The remedy was fearful, but the case 
was desperate. Thy father was absent, and 
there was none other in whom I could confide, 
powerful enough to protect me. Knowing their 
superstitious fear of touching the dead body of 
a woman, I went secretly to the wise woman, 
Thekla, priestess of Hela, renowned for skill in 
magic, and from her procured a potion to cause 
a sleep which simulates death ; and when Tor- 
man ordered me to prepare for a voyage to 
Moira, with feigned reluctance I consented, well 
knowing that refusal might bring more certain 
destruction. I offered prayers and sacrifice to 
Alfather, and taking the precious draught ac- 
cording to the directions of the wise woman, I 
left Vegra with the men who sought my life. 

“ Soon after we set sail,my eyelids grew heavy ; 


SELA^A. 


87 


a lethargy weighed down my limbs ; an unnatural 
chill crept over me; I became insensible, and, 
no doubt, apparently lifeless. I remember as in 
a dream, that the men brought the bark ashore, 
sprang out and abandoned it to the drift. I 
hoped this would be toward the main land, but 
soon realized with a dull shudder that the tide 
was going out. 

“After this came a blank,till I woke benumbed 
with cold and powerless to move. I was alone 
in the tossing boat, far out at sea ; the wind was 
blowing, and the darkness of a cloudy night 
hung over the waves. 

“At last day dawned, and I saw in the distance 
a tall ship coming across the water. By great 
exertion I raised my mantle upon one of the 
oars, and thereby succeeded in attracting notice. 
The vessel drew near ; a small boat was sent out, 
into which I was lifted and conveyed to the 
ship. It was unlike those used upon our coast, 
the men also were strange, not so tall as the 
north people ; their beards were black, and their 
eyes dark and fiery. I could not understand 
their language, but by gestures they expressed 


88 


SELMA. 


great astonishment when they found a pale, 
weak girl the sole occupant of the boat, To 
placate them, I told my sad story, but they shook 
their heads, and made a sign upon their breasts, 
appearing to take me for an Undine, or some 
supernatural being, such as inhabit these north- 
ern wilds. I was greatly rejoiced for I knew 
this belief would be a protection, so I looked 
much into the water, and murmured low songs. 

“We sailed away to the south, and coming 
into the broad ocean, encountered such a furious 
storm, that it seemed the vessel must go down. 
At this time their deference to me was re- 
doubled ; every wish was anticipated, and a fear 
mingled with devotion. They thought I had 
power with the dwellers under the sea. I con- 
tinued to chant the hymns of Niord, till at 
length we reached calm water ; the wind blew 
softly and the sun shone warm. After seven 
nights we arrived at a great harbor wherein lay 
other ships at anchor, and a fair city on the 
shore. Upon the banks were gardens of beauty ; 
stately trees stood calm in the sunshine, golden 
and crimson fruit loaded the glossy boughs, and 


^ SELMA. 89 

under the trees walked men in strange at- 
tire.” 

At this description, Thorwald started and 
whispered to himself, “ The vision of Idumali ! 
1 too have seen that land as in a dream.’’’ 

Selma continued, “ In this city dwelt the 
owner of the ship, and after the sailors rendered 
an account of the voyage, they brought me to 
the merchant — giving the story of my discovery. 
At this he was greatly astonished, and ordered 
that I should be properly arrayed in the cos- 
tume of the country, and taken to the royal 
palace, as a present for the queen. Here I was 
an object of great interest, and as the sailors 
said much of my singing, I was called by a 
name which, I afterward learned, signifies Siren., 
or Maid of the Sea. 

“ The queen, who was highly pleased with the 
ship master’s present, placed me in charge of 
tutors, and after a few months, when I had 
learned to speak the soft language of the coun- 
try, she admitted me to the court as one of her 
attendants. 

‘‘ In this place I was comparatively happy. 


90 


SELMA. 


My noble mistress treated me with great gen- 
tleness. I had many friends, and, in the midst 
of leisure and luxury, the memory of past hard- 
ship and servitude faded away like a vision of 
the night, 

“ That land is beautiful, there flowers and 
fruits flourish, for perpetual summer reigns ; in 
the bland air I felt myself growing strong and 
full of power. I wrote many songs in my own 
Norse tongue, but dared not utter them ex- 
cept in murmurs. I sought solitude and re- 
tirement, for the men of that land are fiery and 
passionate, without the self-control and patience 
of our north people. I hoped thou wouldst find 
me, my Thorwald, but when a year passed by 
without tidings, I became secretly unhappy, not 
that I doubted thy constancy, but I longed for 
thy presence, and for life in my native land. 

“ For a time I concealed my sorrow, fearing 
1 might be deemed ungrateful, till one evening 
when a grand entertainment was given in a dis- 
tant garden, the queen permitted me to remain 
at the palace. The royal party were gone ; the 
guards were drowsing ; 1 went out upon the bal- 


SELMA. 


9 * 


cony alone, and looking at the northern stars, 
for a few moments gave way to uncontrolled . 
weeping. A harp stood near, a harp like thine, 
my Thorwald ; I had never dared to touch it, 
but now, inspired by thoughts of thee, I drew it 
to my heart and softly swept the strings. I 
sang the olden songs, and forgetting the time 
and place poured forth my grief unmindful of 
the passing hours, till suddenly I became con- 
scious that eyes other than the stars were fixed 
upon me ; that other than the sleepy birds were 
listening. I looked up in alarm, and perceived 
a group of ladies, the queen in their midst, re- 
garding me with tearful eyes. My gracious 
sovereign came forward and quieted my fears. 

‘ Dear child,’ she said, ‘ where didst thou learn 
those magic songs ? Surely thou art human, 
notwithstanding thy name, dear Siren. Yet 
such gifts are heavenly and I must chide thee 
for so long concealing them.’. 

“ From that hour my life was changed ; I was 
instructed by the most renowned masters of 
music ; made chief of the royal choir and was no 
longer called Siren, Maid of the Sea, but Selma 


92 


SELMA. 


Queen of Song. I was taken to other cities ; be- 
came rich and honored. I should have been 
happy, but for love of thee, dear Thorwald. 

“ As the silent years passed by my heart grew 
sick with hope deferred. How often as I sat 
alone, in tower or balcony, looking out toward 
my native land, have I called upon the north 
wind and the incoming waves and the cloud 
ships of heaven, to bring tidings of my beloved ; 
or questioned the bright sun if, in all his round, 
he had marked thy stately form go forth 
equipped for war or for the chase, 

“ But oftenest to the pensive moon I uttered 
my complaint, saying as to a friend, ‘ Oh Lady 
of Night, as thou trailest thy luminous mantle 
over the forests of the north, do thy sad e3'es, 
peering into the dark recesses, behold my Thor- 
wald wandering with some other maid 1 Ah 
no ! in pity rather say, thou dost hide thy face 
behind a cloud whose shadow falls upon a 
hero’s grave.’ 

“ But the winds swept onward to the south, 
and the clouds sailed by, and the waves ever 
coining, never stayed to listen or reply ; the 


SELMA. 


93 


sun sank in unmeaning silence to the sea, and 
the moon turned not from her path in heaven, 
to bestow an assuring smile or sigh. 

“ Then I left cold, dumb nature and flew to the 
haunts ■ of men, where I astonished thousands 
by songs of pathos and passion. I sang of our 
gloomy pines and dark crags ; of our cold sea 
and midnight sun ; of proud warriors and fair 
maidens. 

“ Then I sang of love and sorrow, and when 
forgetful of the presence of others, I breathed 
in anguish one beloved name, the sobs and 
tears of those who listened, would bring back 
my wandering sense. Men called me inspired, 
and their frenzied applause would shake wall 
and dome ; the while my eager gaze sought 
in the assembled crowd for one dear face, only 
to turn with sinking heart from dark eyes that 
blazed their passionate admiration. 

“ When showers of wreaths and jewels fell 
in profusion at my feet, I untied each knot of 
flowers with trembling fingers, tossing aside 
brilliant gem and rare bauble, hoping that some 
taken, a violet perchance, might bear the name 


94 


SELMA. 


of Thorwald. And while hall and palace still 
echoed with Uie praise, I left the eager crowd 
and retired to my chamber, where, hidden from 
human gaze, I wet my pillow with unavailing 
tears. 

“ Without thee, I walked in a world of shad- 
ows ; men Vt^ere but phantoms ; the laurels and 
coronet were as withered leaves and tarnished 
tinsel, for at last I fancied thee dead or (forgive 
the foolish fear) wedded to another, forgetful of 
thy constant Selma. How true to thee, none 
but heaven can know. In later years this feel- 
ing grew so strong that I could bear suspense 
no longer, and determined to leave friends and 
fortune to learn thy fate. I confided my wish 
to one faithful attendant, and by her aid secured 
the promise of Gonsalvo, a famous sea-captain, 
to convey me to my native shores before taking 
his cargo to its destination, across the Northern 
Sea. I left the palace secretly ; I could not do 
otherwise. My absence will be broken gently 
to the friends who love me well — they will for- 
give all, for I have promised to return. 

“ Thou knowest the end of the voyage. Our 


SELMA. 95 

untortunate bark fell in with the cruisers of 
Olaf, and 1 reached my native land a cap- 
tive.” 

“ But all is well ; I have found thee my Thor- 
wald ; the past vanishes ; we are children once 
more ; we are together and haj^py. Tell me 
of all that has befallen thee.” 

Thorwald was silent ; he pressed her to his 
heart and sighed deeply. 

“ Dost thou wonder,” said she, “ why my 
song of Return was so sad ? Dear Thorwald, 
it seemed at the moment a prophecy. Remem- 
berest at our parting thou didst invoke the terri- 
ble Skulda.? 

“ When the song began I felt again the cold 
blast of the sea, I saw a shadow pass* over the 
moon, and heard the curlew scream — it chilled 
my breath and the bodingwords came to my lips. 

“ But now we will laugh at omens,” she added 
looking into his eyes with a smile of unutterable 
love, “not even death can rob this hour of its 
sweetness. I have been true to thee, as thou 
to me. Tell me, has no other maiden shared 
thy love .? ” 


96 


SELMA. 


“ None, none, my Selma,” answered Thor- 
vvald, in impassioned tones. 

“ And is thy faith in no wise broken ? Has 
the sword ever been placed between thee and 
all others ? ” 

“ Oh Selma,” said Thorwald shuddering, 
“ thou art grown cruel to question me thus.” 

“ I did but ask to hear thy sweet denial,” said 
Selma, deprecatingly, “ but thy voice sounds 
strangely, and a shudder thrills thy frame. 
What means it, my beloved? ” 

Again Thorwald sighed; anguish rent his 
bosom. In the rush of joy and absorption in 
Selma’s story he had forgotten all else. Now 
an abhorrent image thrust itself between him 
and his lovft ; a dreadful truth was forced upon 
him. He was the husband of Rhenah, the 
father of Idumah ! The temptation to dissemble 
was terrible. The guilt of Rhenah, had by the 
laws of the land, made him free; he could fly 
with Selma to some distant place, and conceal 
the truth forever. But falsehood was impos- 
sible in that lofty nature ; though all were lost 
he would not deceive the woman he adored 


SELMA. 


97 


“ Selma,” he said, putting her gently from 
him, and speaking in tones so hollow that she 
grew alarmed. “ I, too, have a story to. relate. 
Listen, sweet soul, and let pity fill thine eyes 
with tears.” 

“ They told me thou wert dead, yea, swore it 
by the most awful oaths, by the fear of Nas- 
trond, and the rage of the Wolf. 

“ They pointed to thy grave under the shadows 
of Balderspur. I was crazed. I fled from home 
and joined fate with Olaf my prince. We w'ent 
forth to war and rapine; the death of Frothall 
was avenged ; we burned the palace of the foe ; 
I hoped to fall sword in hand and pass to the 
reward of the brave. 

“ But Fate had not so decreed. After two 
years I returned to my father, who strove to 
divert my melancholy. He would persuade me 
to marry, but my heart was dead — buried in the 
grave of Selma. Long time I resisted, till by a 
sudden accident a young girl was thrown upon 
\ my compassion. That girl was Rhenah, 
daughter of our neighbor Lano. My father 
urged me to weariness ; four years thou hadst 


98 SELMA. 

been dead ; in an evil hour I married her, but 
not for love, dear Selma — I swear it — not for 
love.” 

“ Oh Thorwald,” she cried in voice of woe, 
“ the message I left at the rock of tryst — the 
Rune, the Rune ! ” 

“ I was blinded, dear love. I'he spirit of 
Idumah warned me in visions of the night, but 
my understanding was darkened through the 
evil device of Loki. I rashly dared his presence 
at the fiord in dead midnight, when the eye of 
Midgard’s serpent burns in the sky. 

“ But I am now free,” he added, clasping her 
passionately in his arms. “ Rhenah has herself 
severed the tie; Freya is my friend, and has 
brought thee to me ; we will outlive Fate ; we 
will be parted never — I swear it by the twelve 
Aeser and ” 

“ Stay thine oath,” cried Selma, disengaging 
herself, and placing a greater distance between 
them ; “ I have somewhat more to confide to 
thee. I have renounced the gods of Norland, I 
am a Christian, and by the pure and holy law of 
Christ, if thou art wedded I cannot receive this 


S/cZAfA. 


99 


vow. Nor can I ever be thine, now thou art 
bound to another.” 

But Thorwald replied in passionate tones, 
“By all the laws of God and man I am free. 
Rhenah is false ; the council would decree her 
death were she exposed. I will not give thee 
up, thou art mine now and forever. Oh ! Selma, 
thou lovest me not, that I perceive, by thy cruel 
words.” 

“ I will not reproach thee, dear Thorwald, thy 
heart is already too sorely tried, but thou must 
never doubt me. I have been true to thee, 
through all these years. Sought by many, I 
have loved none. For thy dear sake did I re- 
fuse a diadem. Oh. my beloved, it rends my 
heart to give thee up, but by thy marriage, the 
tie that bound us is severed. I must become 
the bride of Christ the Lord, and follow him in 
the paths of self-sacrifice.” 

“ I know not the meaning of thy words, my 
darling Selma,” .said Thorwald ; “ we have both 
suffered much from cruel fate. I have been 
abrupt and have shocked thee. Thou art fa- 
tigued. Forgive me, dear Selma, thou shalt 


lOO 


SELMA. 


explain everything at thy leisure on the mor 
? ) 

row. 

“ Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow ! ” she 
cried in anguish. “ It is come, it is gone, false, 
fleeting, mocking phantom, pursued through all 
these years. Tomorrow, tomorrow ! ! The pre- 
monition when I entered the Hall of Music was 
indeed a prophecy. The wind from the sea 
whispered, “ Thorwald is lost to thee.” 

Her voice faltered ; she grew pale ; trembled, 
and fearing she was about to fall, cried out sud- 
denly to some person within, “ Isadora, Isadora ! ” 
A girl came quickly into the chamber, and see- 
ing the unusual agitation of her mistress, indig- 
nantly repelled the advance of Thorwald, con- 
veyed Selma through the open door, and closed 
and locked it immediately, leaving Thorwald 
overcome with conflicting emotions. 

His first impulse was to insist upon seeking 
Selma again that evening, but realizing the in- 
discretion of such a demand, he determined at 
once to seek the counsel of his trusted friend. 
He therefore withdrew quietly, and sought the 
apartments of the prince, w'ho, alarmed by hi.s 


SELMA. 


lOI 


sudden leave-taking, and continued absence, anx- 
iously awaited his arrival. 

Olaf was astonished at the unexpected disclos- 
ure Thorwald now made, but reassured him by 
the hope that all would yet be well ; nothing 
more could be done at that late hour; in the 
morning he would himself have audience with 
this wonderful woman, and use his influence to 
shake her resolution. 

The friends separated ; Thorwald sought his 
couch, and after long tossing, fell into the heavy 
sleep peculiar to excessive mental exhaustion. 
He was therefore insensible to an unusual noise 
and stir in the palace which ushered in the day. 
He heard not the excited voices and hurry of 
footsteps, the rushing to and fro, until a knock- 
ing at the door of his chamber, and the entrance 
of Olaf awakened him. 

“ What has induced this early visit from my 
prince ? ” he cried, springing up in confusion. 
“ Thy voice and countenance betoken trouble.” 

Olaf hesitated, but unable to conceal his own 
anxiety, answered plainly. “ Selma and her 
Sj)anish maid have disappeared, their apart- 


102 


SELMA. 


merits are empty, the palace, nay, the city itself 
has been thoroughly searched, they are not to 
be found. Even the soldier guard know noth- 
ing. 

Thorwald covered his eyes. Were visions of 
the night confusing his brain } He grasped the 
hand of Olaf — strong and warm it returned the 
pressure ; the sunlight streamed into the cham- 
ber : he heard the city’s hum afar. This was no 
phantom of the imagination. He roused him- 
self and prepared to renew the search. All day 
the city and surrounding country were explored 
without gaining trace of the fugitives, or solving 
the mystery of the flight. Night found the 
seekers exhausted ; Thorwald in despair. He 
reviewed his conversation with Selma and, re- 
membering her words, “ I am a Christian,” was 
convinced that through the instrumentality of 
the new sect she had been aided in her escape. 
There was at Bretwalda, a seaport thirty leagues 
distant, a hamlet where were many converts* 
thither Selma might have sought refuge, thither 
he would follow, and perchance overtake her 
liefore she couhl emliark for a foreign shore 


SXZM.4. 


\o^ 

He called a groom, took horse, and in the early 
morning reached Bretwalda. But the people 
seemed unconscious of any recent excitement. 
They could not, or would not, answer Thorwald’s 
eager enquiries ; only from one idler he learned 
that a small fishing boat had yesterday left the 
bay, but with no appearance of passengers. 


104 


SELMA- 


SHADOWS. 

Greatly disheartened Thorwald returned to 
Upsal, and drawing near the city found his prog- 
ress arrested by a crowd who thronged a bridge 
over which he must pass. In the midst stood 'a 
venerable man, recognized by Thorwald as the 
far-famed prophet, Adhelm, who had once visited 
the sacred groves, but from whose teaching the 
light-hearted youth had then turned away. 

With far different feelings, he now listened to 
the solemn voice proclaiming the truths of Chris- 
tianity, in the gloomy grandeur of the Northern 
tongue. 

“ For thee a house was built, e’er thou wast 
born ; a chamber hewn, e’er thou didst leave 
thy mother’s arms. Doorless is the house, and 
dark within ; its length and breadth are not de- 
termined till I measure thee and the .sods of the ' 


SELMA. 


105 


earth. Its roof is built thy breast full nigh, 
loathly and grim shall thy dwelling be, that none 
may share with thee. There art thou fast de- 
tained, for Death holds the key ! ” * 

Then raising his voice he cried : “ But from 
the Cross of Christ shines forth a ray to scatter 
the doleful gloom. Turn, turn, ye prisoners of 
hope, from the shadows of sin and death ; follow 
the footsteps of Jesus through the narrow path 
of self-sacrifice and at the end thou shalt be ad- 
mitted to the Paradise of God.” 

“ ‘ The paths of self-sacrifice,’ those were the 
words of Selma,” said Thorwald, “ I niust speak 
with this man.” 

After the crowd had dispersed, he gave his 
horse to the groom, and telling him to go for 
ward and report his arrival to the prince, sought 
the preacher and thus addressed him, — 

“ Many years ago, oh Adhelm, when I was a 
student at Upsal, I listened lightly to thy words : 
they have now to me an awful meaning. Thou 
saidst — ‘ prisoners of hope : ’ I am the prisoner of 
despair. Has thy religion comfort for such ? ” 

* See Taine’s Eng. Lit., vol, i. p, 46. 


lo6 


SELMA. 


“ My son,” said Adhelm ; “ The love of Christ 
is all-embracing, it includes every human soul, 
the unhappy, the weak, yea, even the wicked — a 
Christian cannot be the prisoner of despair.” 

“ Then perchance one that I love may be 
happy,” said Thorwald, softly, and, encouraged 
by the look of sympathy in the eyes now bent 
upon him, he added, “ Oh father, thou .seest be- 
fore thee a man forsaken by Fortune, pursued 
by unrelenting Fate.” 

“ Unhappy one,” said Adhelm, Christ offers 
thee salvation.” 

“ Oh prophet, is there any god more powerful 
than Fate, which is mine enemy 1 ” 

“ There is One by whose aid thou mayst con- 
quer even Fate. Come with me, and we will 
confer more perfectly with regard to thii 
matter,” 

They climbed the mountain to the Hermitage, 
and Adhelm, after persuading Thorwald to re- 
fresh himself by food and rest, listened to the 
story of his life. The fame of the powerful jar] 
was not unknown to the prophet, though he had 
heard nothing of his private life. The narra- 


SELMA. 


107 


tion interested him, more especially as he had 
received from the captives under guard at 
Upsal, important information concerning Sel- 
ma’s residence at the Spanish court, where her 
conversion to Christianity had caused a profound 
sensation. This information he now imparted 
to Thorwald. 

Selma had been the idol of king and courtier; 
her romantic discovery by Portuguese voyagers ; 
her delicate northern beauty ; her transcendent 
gifts and exalted character, had won univeilial 
admiration. Many noble men had offered her 
the homage of their hearts, and one of the royal 
princes had sought her hand in marriage. 

But she refused all proposals with gentle 
firmness, saying that her husband awaited her 
in her native land. 

At length by an act of extraordinary heroism, 
Selma became an object of the wildest enthu- 
siasm. 

There was war between the Mahometans 
and Christians, in which the latter had been de- 
feated, and the city in which Selma was tempo- 
rarily staying, besieged. 


io8 


SELMA. 


During a. terrible battle the city was taken, 
and she fell into the hands of the Moors, who, 
tired by the fame of her loveliness, made a des- 
perate and successful attempt to capture her for 
the harem of the caliph. For this purpose she 
was conveyed to the royal pavilion, and sur- 
rounded by a strong guard. 

But the Spaniards did not supinely relinquish 
the jewel of the court. A band of valiant young 
men led by the prince, her admirer, attacked the 
Arab camp at midnight. Hearing the sound 
of the conflict and her own name shouted as 
the battle-cry, .Selma knew that the Spamards 
had come to the rescue. The valor of her race 
then a.sserted itself ; no vvomanish weakness or 
hesitating fear unnerved her hand. .She seized 
a torch, fired the royal pavilion, tlius throwing 
the Islam ranks into confusion ; and, disguising 
her tall form in the burnous of an Arab, seized 
a .scimetar and cut her way to the Christian 
ranks ; while the re.scuing party, stimulated to 
superhuman valor by such an exhibition of 
courage in a delicate woman, turned the attack 


SELMA. 109 

into a pursuit, routed the enemy with great 
slaughter and recaptured, the city. 

After this adventure, Selma was considered 
more than human. She was a sylph in beauty, 
a seraph in song, a Diana in purity and cour- 
age. 

As Thorwald listened |to this narrative and 
contrasted Selma’s unswerving loyalty with the 
one irreparable error of his own life, grief and 
self-reproach deepened almost to despair. 

Though sympathizing in Thorwald’s misfor- 
tune. Adhelm did not disguise its hopelessness. 
He deplored Selma’s decision, for in reality there 
was no Christian bar to her union with Thor- 
wald, yet, being aware of the sensitive conscience 
of the new converts, and the prevalence of an 
idea that retirement from the world was pleasing 
to Christ, he feared she had already entered a 
sacred retreat and taken an irrevocable vow. 
He therefore said this plainly, and while he en- 
treated Thorwald not to abandon a life of active 
usefulness, urged him to follow her example in 
a life of self-renunciation by which he would 
rise superior to the frowns of destiny. 


I lO 


KELMA. 


Thorwald listened, but scarce comprehended. 
With listless gaze he watched the sun go down 
into the sea; the pale stars appear in the sky 
telling their uninterpreted story ; and the moon 
rise above the hills — the melancholy mocking 
moon, that only three evenings agone, lighted 
him to the chamber of Selma. 

Adhelm did not disturb a grief which he felt 
was too deep for words, too sacred for condo- 
lence. He sat with him in silence through the 
night, and with the flush of dawn Thorwald said 
farew'ell, descended the mountain and unchal- 
lenged reached his chamber in the palace. 

Later in the morning he sought audience of 
the prince, announced his desire to return home 
and asked permission to leave the court that very 
day, 

Olaf, believing that a prolonged stay in the 
busy capital would in a measure divert his mel- 
ancholy, raised many specious objections to his 
departure, and particularly asked his counsel 
concerning the captive sailors who still remained 
in custody. 

“ They were coming to our shores on a mis- 


SKLMA. 


1 1 I 

sion of amity when the fight was begun. They 
were about to restore our countrywoman to her 
friends,” said Thorwald ; “ it would be base that 
they should suffer longer. As thou hast hon- 
ored me by requesting my opinion, I would ad- 
vise they be returned in their own ship to their 
native land.” 

“ Thou sayest well,” replied Olaf, “ Thou and 
I are ever of one mind, dear Thorwald ; the cap- 
tives shall be honorably dismissed.” 

“ And Olaf, if thou lovest me, bind them by 
their sacred oath, by the cross of Christ which 
they revere, that they make diligent search for 
Selma, and send us tidings.” 

“ It shall be according to thy wish,” said 
Olaf. 

“ And now, what thinkest thou of this Christ 
and the new religion ? ” 

“ I know little of it,” the other replied 
“ Many things which our fathers believed re- 
garding the ancient gods and their worship, 
trouble me. The gods are strong and cruel, 
yet they cannot save their followers from mis- 
fortune, for over them, as over mortal man, hover 


112 


.^/T T.MA. 


the shadowy wings of Destiny. And the Saviour ’ 
Christ redeems from sin only. Who shall save 
us from error and its dread consequence — error 
not of will, but of reason ; error, because we 
are men and not gods. A mist obscures our , 
sight, and our understanding is darkened, we 
walk in the pathway of the wretched, even , 
though we carry no burden of sin. Oh, my 
friend, we are like the swallow that in winter 
flies across thy banquet hall, when thou art 

seated at table with carl and thane. Without 
is snow and storm ; he enters by one door and 

leaves by another ; the brief moment he is 
within is pleasant, he feels not the cheerless 
weather ; but his stay is brief — he passes from 
winter to winter. Such methinks is the life of 
man. It appears for a while, but what of the 
time that comes after.? The time which was 
before.? We know not. If then this new doc- 
trine may teach us somewhat of greater cer- 
tainty, it were well we should regard it.” * j 

“ Thorwald, thou wert ever wise. I would } 

* Speech of a Northumbrian chief. See Mallet, Nor, ' 
Antiquities. 


SELMA. 


I 


that thou shouldst ever remain by my side as 
my counsellor.” 

“ I cannot now remain — the thought of my 
child comes to me as a reproach ; my beloved 
Idumah — thou rememberest her } Oh my friend, 
if evil overtakes me, thou wilt care for this 
child .? ” 

“ I do remember her, she is both fair and 
wise, and if evil overtake thee, (which the gods 
forbid) she shall be to me as a daughter, even 
the wife of my firstborn son.” 

“ And the heimen Jiylgia shall be the do- 
main of Frothal,” said Thorwald, “ thus the 
agreement is sealed.” 

The following day, Thorwald returned to 
Vegra and resumed the accustomed round of 
duty and business, bestowing upon Idumah his 
tenderest care. He never addressed Rhenah 
but as a master might speak to a thrall ; he 
sought no explanation, he uttered no reproach ; 
she was to him as a maid-servant, or rather as 
one who is dead. Torkan was seen no more at 
the castle, avoiding as far as possible the pres- 
ence pf the kofgodt., for there was som;ething in 


114 


SELMA. 


Therwald’s eye when they chanced to meet, 
that warned him of the dagger and the holm- 


DARKNESS. 


The night has a thousand eyes. 

The day, but one, 

Yet the light of a whole world dies 
With the dying sun. 

‘‘The mind has a thousand eyes 
The heart, but one. 

And the light of a whole life dies 
When love is done.’' 

Months passed, one hope, faint and fitful as 
the light of dying embers, still warmed the heart 
of Thorwald, a feeling more wish than expecta- 
tion, which languished for want of sustenance ; 
the hope that Selma might be found. He was 
contemplating a foreign voyage to relieve the 
intolerable restlessness that had of late op- 
pressed him, when one fair day in 'autumn, a 
herald’s trumpet announced the approach of 


SELMA- 


1 16 

the royal train. Olaf soon appeared with his 
retinue of followers, among whom Thorwald 
quickly recognized Gonsalvo, the master of the 
captured vessel, who, in fulfilment of his prom- 
ise, had returned to the Norland shore. 

Hope flickered and expired as Thorwald. 
looked upon the face of this messenger. His 
story was soon told. Influenced by a sense of 
honor more powerful than love for I'horwald 
or even life itself, Selma, attended by Isadora 
alone, had fled from Upsal on that memorable 
night, traveled on foot to the nearest seaport 
Bertwalda, thrown herself upon the geirerosity 
of the Christians, and essayed to cross the sea 
in a fishing boat, the only vessel then iir port. 

But a furious storm arose about midnight of 
the following day, and the boat never returned 
to the northern .shore. Some months after- 
ward, a vessel answering its de-scriotion and 
bearing the same name, was found completely 
wrecked upon the shores of Freidland, but 
nothing was ever known of its occupants. 
Here the Spanish merchantman had found its 
fragments, and had hastened across the stormy 


SELMA. 


117 


Baltic in obedience to the commands of Olaf. 
He had also brought from the Spanish court 
the gold, jewels and other possessions of the 
lost Siren, — also a missive of condolence from 
her sorrowing friends. 

Olaf now renewed his entreaties that d'hor- 
wald should return with him to Upsal, where, in 
the position of Royal Councillor, he might forget 
the past and begin *a new life. 

Thorwald listened gratefully, promised to 
consider ; performed the duties of host with 
scrupulous attention ; rewarded the faithful 
Gonsalvo, and, when the last adieus were said 
and the cavalcade disappeared in the long 
avenue of cedars, he turned his footsteps to the 
crag of Balderspur. 

Here, seated upon the rock of tryst, he re- 
viewed the events of the last months and real- 
ized how firmly he had been wedded to a hope 
— but now that hope was dead, whither should 
he turn ? To war, the pastime and glory of 
his race ? Whose love would reward his deeds 
of valor ? To study and song ? Who could 
share his vigils, whose hand bestow the victor’s 


SELMA. 


Il8 

wieath? To public life? He could not bear 
the noise of a great city and the curious gaze of 
strangers. 

The twilight fades, night falls upon the sea, 
the hour and su ndings suggest the purpose 
of his last visit to this spot. His resolution is 
taken, he sings softly the music of I he Farewell, 
calling upon Hela the Goddess of Death. 

“ Chill sister of Night 
Receive iny hot breath, 

Freeze the warm current 
Oh, merciful Death. 

Lower thy veil 

O^er the dawn of tomorrow. 

Spare me the pain 
Of wakening sorrow. 

Bid the fatal sisters three 
Cut the thread of Destiny, 

Let my captive spirit free. 

In Gimli the blest 
The weary may rest ; 

There Selma, my darling, 

Is waiting for me.’’ 


With parting look he surveys the scene. 
The moon is up, the beetling crags obscure the 


SELMA. 


II9 

light, but afar upon the sea, its beams glimmer 
like watchfires. Above, the burning' stars ; be- 
low, tumultuous waves ; sky and ocean melt to- 
gether on the distant horizon. So surely min- 
gle restless life and heaven’s eternal calm, when 
the shadow of death falls upon the soul. 

The niglit winds moan among the pines, they 
turn back the shivering leaves of the poplar, the 
cataract thunders, and ghostly spray hangs over 
the flood. 

Thorwald' leans over the verge prepared to 
take the fatal plunge. Why does he delay ; 
striving with earnest gaze to pierce the mist. 

Upon the bosom of the black, pool itoats a 
swan, its white form circling through the dark 
eddies; it catches the refrain of Thorwald’s 
song. Its wings are spread, it soars upward, no 
swan but a sylph-like form bending toward him 
with outstretched arms. ■ It speaks, the winds 
are hushed, the roar of the torrent dies away. 

“ Forbear ! ” breathes the spirit of the water- 
fall “ the brave man dares to live — the coward 
flies to self-destruction. Conquer self, oh, 
Thorwald, and when victory is accomplished. 


I 20 


SELMA. 


thou wilt find the reward. “ Faithful unto death, 
thou shalt receive the crown of life.” 

So saying, the voice changed again to the 
notes of a swan, the misty form melted away, 
and Thorwald, stretching out his arms to pre- 
vent it, received only a drenching from the cold 
spray as it swept past. 

Ife sank upon the rock, chilled to the heart, 
his head was dazed, pain shot through his frame 
The setting moon slanted into the ravine, the 
climbing stars peeped over the crag, the winds 
sighed fitfulty through the pines, the roar of 
the water and screams of the belated curlew 
came faintly to his ear, the world and life seemed 
receeding. A great calm entered his soul, he 
closed his eyes, believing, hoping, he should 
never open them again. 

# # * # 

With early dawn Rhenah, as was her thrifty 
habit, roused the household. Mer quick eye 
soon detected the absence of her lord. .She 
sent Idumah to call him, but when the child re- 
turned frightened at the vacant stillness of his 
room, more of vexation than anxiety filled 


SELMA. 


\1l 

Rhenah’s mind, as she called the men and bade 
them go forth in search of their master. 

“ Take the road to the black pool,” she said, 
“ mayhap he is by the waterfall. Why will 
Thorwald wander about in this insane man- 
ner ? ” she muttered under her breath. “ Dolt, to 
go roaming in the night, studying moonshine, 
when he should be sleeping in his bed like a 
man of sense to fit him for the labors of the day. 
Though little is he good for, I know to my 
sorrow. And this, the very season for fevers. 
I doubt not, I shall have him ill on my hands.” 

She went to the kitchen, set the maids about 
their duties, prepared the cakes and cheese for 
breakfast, that there might be no delay after 
the men returned. 

An hour passed, the sun had risen ; Rhenah 
was beginning to fret at the unusual detention, 
when the messengers came in, bearing the ap- 
parently lifeless body of their master. 

At this sight she was much agitated, and for 
a moment gave way to self-reproach, but per- 
ceiving that Thorwald still breathed, and was 
sound in limb, her accustomed practical coolness 


STtUfA. 


I 22 

asserted itself ; after ordering him to be placed in 
a warm bed and despatching a servant for the 
ancient woman who acted as priestess and leech, 
she dismissed the laborers to their toil and re- 
sumed her own. 

When Ulrica arrived, Thorwald had recov- 
ered from stupor, but only to show signs of de- 
lirium. His face was flushed, his pulses 
throbbed. The old priestess declared the fever 
was upon him. ; 

“ I doubt it not,” replied Rhenah, “ he ex- 
hausted his own strength and my stores by his 
extravagant hospitality yesterday, and afterwards 
must need leave his comfortable bed and sleep 
upon the damp earth. His imprudence knows 
no bounds ; and this in the hurry of the late 
harvest. I know not which way to turn.” 

Ulrica, who was well acquainted with the in- 
felicities of Thorwald’s household, perceiving 
that the voice of Rhenah affected her patient 
unfavorably, replied, — 

“ Send thou hither Idumah, together we will 
nurse the master ; go thou to thy necessary du- 
ties,” 


SF.LMA. 


12 


Rhenah was greatly relieved, she knew noth- 
ing of sickness, for till this time the family health 
had been perfect, and she had no sympathy with 
weakness and pain. Idumah joyfully took her 
mother’s place ; under the tuition of Ulrica she 
soon learned to bathe her father’s hot temples, 
to prepare cooling decoctions, repeat the accus- 
tomed charms, and preserve the quiet so indis- 
pensable to recovery. 

Long time the fever raged fiercely, but a 
powerful frame, and the devotion of Idumah 
prevailed over disease. When consciousness 
returned, everything seemed dreamy and indis- 
tinct. Idumah sat by her father’s side as he 
said faintly. “ I slept long by the river of Thor, 
the shadow of the crag is cold when the moon 
sets behind the bleak hills. Was it the rush of 
the wind or the drenching spray that chilled 
me } The sea glimmered white — nay, it was 
the ghost of Selma.” 

Tears came into Idumah’s eyes, she feared 
her father was again becoming delirious. She 
interrupted him gently saying, “ Dear father, 


124 


S/^TJfA. 


the men found thee lying upon the edge of a 
precipice where thou hadst fallen." 

“ Aye,” said Thorw'ald ; “ the hand of Selma 
stayed me.” 

After a moment he spoke again. 

“ How long have I lain in this place ? ” 

“ Since the late harvest,” she replied, “ and 
now the grass is sere, and snow is scattering 
through the air.” 

Thorwald sighed and relapsed into silence ; 
the struggle was over, beside dead Love and 
Hope, dead Grief was now entombed, and Self- 
repression rolled a great stone against the door 
of the sepulchre. 

During the long illness, Idumah had resolved 
to make her father’s comfort her especial care. 
Startling words had escaped him while he was 
delirious ; she understood for the first time the 
estrangement of her parents, and Thorwald’s 
secret sorrow. 

With each day his strength increased, and 
before winter was over he went forth erect and 
beautiful as of old. But a great change was ap- 
parent in Thorwald’s life and character. Some 


SELMA. 


125 

secret influence ennobled his actions, no un- 
guarded word escaped him, no passion flashed 
from his eye, or pride curled his lips. When- 
ever there was sickness or misfortune, there in 
defiance of the prejudice of his race might the 
lord of the valley be found, relieving want by 
wealth, and misery by sympathy. He pacified 
enemies, adjusted disputes and influenced the 
insubordinates like some being from a better 
world. Men were overawed by the calm serenity 
that always pervaded the presence of the once 
haughty jarl. 


126 


:^£ZMA. 


THE GOLDEN GLORY. 


*’ O rainy days, oh days of sun ! 

What are ye all when the year is done ; 

Who shall look back for rain or sun? 

‘‘ Oh years of loss, oh joyful years ? 

What are ye all when heaven appears, 

Who shall remember smiles or tears ? ’’ 

Anothkk year rolled away. The harvest, un- 
usually abundant was safely garnered, the cattle 
housed, the stores completed and everything 
ready for the long winter. 

Rhenah rejoiced in an immense quantity of 
wool and dried flax, a portion of which, designed 
for immediate use, she ordered to be stored in 
the remote wing of the castle appropriated to 
herself. 


SELMA. 


127 


The hurry of the season was over, and with 
relaxation Thorwald experienced great despond- 
ency. One evening after a day of more than 
ordinary unrest, he retired to the Chamber of 
Music and sat long hours striving to solve the 
inscrutable enigma of b'ate. His aspirations 
had been smothered, his ambitions thwarted, his 
affections blighted, he had not achieved that 
which he hoped for, life seemed a failure. 

“The very hind that* ploughs my fields, is 
more blest than 1,” he bitterly exclaimed. 
“ With food and shelter, wife and child, every 
wish is gratified. Yet he has served the gods 
no more faithfully than I. They cannot protect 
their worshippers, for Fate is mightier than 
they. 

“And the religion of Christ, can it conquer 
Fate } Its law is self-subjection self-sacrifice, 
and I, its disciple, have not attained thereto. 
Else why this complaining.?” .Again came 
Adhelnt’s words to memory, “ Faithful unto 
death.” 

Patience tried soul, to greater heights thou 
must soar e’er the victor’s crown is thine. 


128 


SELMA 


Thorwald’s head sunk upon his bosom, and 
his soul wandered in the land of dreams. The 
waning moon with half averted face looked in 
at the window, ghostly phantoms flitted on its 
decaying beams. Again as in his g orious 
youth he stood with Selma by the fiord of Loki 
and listened to her voice chanting the sad 
Farewell. The sound was soothing to is tired 
sense and he sank to deeper slumber. 

Suddenly the music ceased — a horrible disson- 
ance convulsed the dream — was it the curlew 
screaming along the shore He opened his 
eyes in great confusion. The chamber s 
flooded with light. Is day already breaking? 
No — the light that flashes on wall and ceiling 
is not the rosy dawn. It is the lurid glare of 
fire ! 

At a glance he comprehends the dread real- 
ity; the wool and flax stored in Rhenah’s apart- 
ments, have become ignited, the tower is in 
flames ; it cannot be saved — the inmates are 
his only care. 

He springs into the court, a loud cry wakens 
the sleepers, the terrified Idumah and the ser 


SELMA. 


129 


'vants come running to his side. Rhenah is not 
iamong them. Overpowered by smoke, she lies 
in heavy stupor, unconscious of the deadly peril ; 
not an instant must be lost if she is to be rescued. 

There was a fierce struggle in Thorwald’s 
breast. Long ago he had sworn by his life that 
his arms should never again enfold her. He 
could not send his trusty Steinar to the rescue. 
Nay — the thought was ignoble, the cross cannot 
be transferred to other shoulders, pride, even 
life may be the required sacrifice. 

He hesitates no longer, a ladder is placed 
against the building, despite the expostulations 
of his family, he quickly ascends and in a mo- 
ment appears with the almost lifeless body of 
Rhenah. Though she was a heavy woman his 
great strength enabled him to reach the ladder 
without difficulty, but when the double weight 
was suspended upon it, Thorwald felt that it 
was breaking. Quick as thought, he swung 
Rhenah out from the falling timbers into the 
outstretched arms of some person beneath, 
One glance assured him that this person was 
none other than Torkan ! Torkan at the cas- 


130 


SELMA. 


tie — at this hour! Uttering a cry of amaze^) 
ment and horror, he sprang from the laddeij 
It trembled, recoiled and fell inward just as the 
heavy tower undermined by the fire, toppled! 
over, smothering the flames and burying the! 
guilty pair in the ruins. j 

Servants and retainers rushed to the aid of 
Thorwald who had fallen senseless in the court. 
He was quickly extricated from his perilous sit- 
uation and carefully borne to a mound in the 
garden. 

’ Finding that his heart was still beating Idu- 
mah gently raised him. 

“ Dear father,” she said, “ dost thou hear my 

• ^ 

voice r 

“ Listen,” said Thorwald faintly, pointing to- 
wald the crag. “ The song of the swan. Its 
snowy form breasts the dark flood — Selma — 
fair as the mists of the glen.” 

Idumah turned obedient to the gesture of 
her father, and in great surprise discovered a 
white-robed figure rapidly approacning. In an 
instant a beautiful woman bent over Thorwald’s 
inanimate form and softly breathed his name. 


SETMA. 


131 

“ The ghost of Selma calls me to the gardens 
below,” he murmured, — 

“ Nay, nay beloved I'horwald,” answered a 
sweet human voice, “ no spirit beckons thee 
away — it is the living Selma, twice rescued from 
the devouring sea, who calls thee back to life 
and happiness. Thrown insensible upon a for- 
eign shore after a terrible shipwreck, I was dis- 
covered and restored by Adhelm, who after 
your departure followed me to the continent. 
He dissuaded me from taking the irrevocable 
vow and receiving his promise to keep my se- 
cret inviolable, I came to Vegra and, hidden in 
the cave of Thekla, for many months I have 
watched over thy welfare. 

“ Seeing the glare of the fire, I hastened 
hither and met Steinar at the entrance of the 
park as he was running to bring the leech. 
He informed me of that which has befallen thee- 
Faithful hast thou proved, even in the very 
jaws of death, and through heaven’s mercy I 
bring thee a victor’s crown.” 

She clasped him in her strong white arms — 
with that dear embrace full consciousness re- 


132 


SELMA. 


turned, the breath of love scattered the ashes of 
despair, and uncovered a glowing fire, life and 
joy once more thrilled the heart of Thorwald. 

“ Behold ! ” exclaimed Selma pointing to the 
east. 

There, spanning the rocky chasm was a rain- 
bow, swaying in the breath of the waterfall. 

“Selma,” said Thorwald solemnly. "" I have 
passed over the bridge of the gods'.' 

And lo! a miracle! In the dark gorge two 
misty cloudlets seemed to linger. One was 
rosy like the flush of day, the other pearly blue 
as the evening sky. Slowly they ascended, 
mingled and became of purple hue, but when 
the vapor rose above the forest and was trans- 
fused with the beams of the rising sun, it changed 
into a golden glory and vanished in light. 

And while each eye still gazed upon the 
wonder, a breeze coming fresh from the smiling 
sea, shimmered through the trees and seemed 
to whisper, — 

“ Love, triumphant over Self, 

Is Earth’s Golden Glory.” 



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XI. CHRISTMAS BOOKS, BOOK OF SNOBS, AND BALLADS.: 

AtRs. Perkins's ,|>ale. j '1 'iie Kickleburys on the Rhine, 

l)ii. Birch. 'Fhe Rose and the Ring. 

Oitb Street, • Book of Snobs. 

B.Ai.EAUS 


New York: JOHN IK. LOVELL (0., 14 & 16 Vesey St. 

iiT~ ^ 


\yannary^ 1883. 



John W. Lovell Company’s 


DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 

Standa j'd d Miscellaneous Books 



Alexander (Mrs.) Works by 

The Wooing O’t. By Mrs. Alexander. i vol., i6mo. 


Cloth extra, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, in Lovell’s Library, in two parts, each 15 cts. 

The Admiral’s Ward. By Mrs. Alexander, i vol., i6mo, 

cloth extra, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, in Lovell’s I/ibrary. In press 20 cts 


American Illustrated Pronouncing Tic- 

tionary of the English Language. Containing upwards of 
25,000 words. Orthography, Pronunciation and Definitions, according to 
the best English and American T.exicographers. With an Appendix con- 
taining Abbreviations, Foreign Worc's and Phrases, etc. Illustrated with 
over 200 engravings, strongly bound in cloth 30 els. 


Andersen, (Hans Christian). 

Fairy Tales. By Hans Chrisitan Andersen. New plates, 


large clear type, handsomely printed and illustrated, i voh, i2mo, cloth, 
black and gold . 00 


Anstey, (F.) 

Vice-Versa, or, a Lesson to Prathers. By F. Anstey. i vol., 


i6mo, cloth extra, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library No, 30 20 cts# 



2 


JOHN IK LOVELL COMPANY'S 

Arabian Nights Entertainment. 

The Tliousand and One Nights. Translated from the Arabic. 
New plates, large clear type. i vol., 121110.. illiistrateci, clotb, black ami 
gold .§1 Of) 

Ceneratiovs of ivisf fathers and moi.'ters ha 7 >c thoroughly f roved the high 
educational value of the Aka hi AN Niciins as a book of amusing stories for 
children. They stimulate young minds and create a taste and desire for read- 
ing at a time ivlien almost all other forms of literature would be irksome and 
uninstructiz>e. Hardly any one that docs not date the first real impulse ghien 
to his intellectual faculties back to his frst acquaintauce zvith Sinbad thk 
Sailor, Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, and the History of the En- 
CH.ANTED Horse. Beside the infinite enjoyment that is afforded the child., a fam- 
iliarity with the characteristic features of Oriental literature is acquired 
■which is of permanent value in the education of after years. 


Aytonn (William Edmondstone). 

Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and other Poems. By William 
Edmondstone Aytoun, Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature in 
the University of Edinburgh. Red I.ine Edition. i vol., 121110. Cloth, 
gilt, gilt edges. $1 25. 

Professor Aytoun has selected his themes from striking incidents and stir- 
ring scenes in medieeval Scotch history ^ and thrown over them the light of an 
imagination at once picturesque and pozverful. Finer ballads than these are 
7 iot to be found in the English language., if hi any. Full of the true fire., they 
710 W stir and swell with the stirring ring of the trumpet, tiow sink in cadences 
sad and wild as a. Highlatid dirge. We feel, when we read these lays, that we 
are dealing fiot wtih shadows, but with living men. The poems which form 
part of the volu 7 ne with the Lays are ge 771s which, while they add to the poet's 
reputation for versatility, add also to his faiiie ; what they lack of the heroic 
ele 77 te 7 tt which 77 iakes the ballads so fascinatiiig, they make up ht a char in 
wholly their author's a 7 id their ozvn. 


Besant (Walter) and James Rice. 

They Were Married. By Walter Besant and Ja.mes Rice. 

i6mo, paper covers, Lovell’s Library No. 18 to cts. 

Bjornson (Bjornstjerne). ^ 

The Happy Boy and Arne. Tales of Norwegian Country 
Life. Two vols. in one. i6mo, cloth extra, black and gold . . ... .50 cts. 
Also, published separately in Lovell’s library — 

No. 3. The Happy Boy. Paper cover 10 cts. 

No. 4. Arne. Faper covers 10 cts. 


Balzac (Honore de). 

The Vendetta ; tales of Love and Passion. By Honore de 


Balzac, i vol., i 6 mo, cloth, black and gold 50 

Al!»o, in paper covers, in Lovell’s Library 20 cts. 


Black (William). 

A Princess of Thule. By Wm. Black, i vol., i6mo, cloth 


extra, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also, in paper covers, Lovell’s Library No. 48 20 cts. 

An Adventure in Thule and Marriage of Moira Fergus. 

B.y Wm. Blacx. Paper covers, Lovell’s Library No. 40 to cts. 


nrSCRlPTIVE CA TAL OGUE. 


Broughton (Rhoda). 

Second Thoughts. By Rhoda Broughton, i vol., i6nio, 


cloth, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also, in paper covers, Lovell’s Library No. 23 20 cts. 


Bulwer’s Novels. 


0)ie-voliime Edition. Containing a selection of the best novels 

of Sir Edward Bdlwp:r (Lord Lytton), as follows: — 


The Last Days of Pompeii. 

Drnest Maltravers. 

Alice. 

Godolphin. 

I vol., 8vo.. cloth, black and gold 

Also see Lytton, Lord. 


Eugene Aram. 

Pelham. 

Zanoni. 


$>2 00 


Bunyan (John), 

The Pilgrim’s Progress from this World to that which is to 
come, delivered under the similitude of a dream. By John Bunyan, 
I vol., i2mo, illustrated, cloth, black and gold, 00 


Burns (Robert). 

'Pile complete Poetical Works of Robert Burns, to whicli Ij* 

added his correspondence. Large, clear type, new plates. Red Line 
Edition, i vol., xiino, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt, gilt edges. . 25 

Burns is by far ike greatest />oet that es'er sprung f >o))i the boson of the 
people. He ivas born a poet^ if ezier man 'itHns, and his rank, as Byron said, " is 
the first in his atd.” He possessed all the essentials of a poet's great humor, 
great powers of description, great discrunination of character, iindgreat pathos. 
His conceptions are all original, his thoughts nesv, and his style zenborrosaed. 
His language is familiar, yet dignified, careless, yet concise : he sheds a re- 
deeming light on all he touches, and whatezier he glances at rises hito life and 
beauty. His variety is equal to his originality. It is as infinite as his pvwer 
in expression, and the result of these combined faculties has been such 7 'erse as 
the zvorld svill, in all liklihood. never see again. Long after more pretentious 
rhyme writers have been forgotten, the poet of the felds and of the cotter' s cabin 
stiill be quoted scfierever the language he became illustrious in is knovnt. 


Byron,' Lord. 

The complete Poetical Works of Lord Byron, printed in clear type 
on good paper- Red Line Edition. i vol., lamo. illustrated, cloth gilt, 
gilt edges $1 25 

In the United States, Byron will always occupy a high place as the poet of 
the passions, and it is said, that after Shakespeare he is the most popular of the 
English poets. The least successful of Byron's productions, notsvithstanding the 
admirable passages zvith which they abound, are his tragedies ; the work that 
giz>es us the highest notion of his genius, pozver and versatility is his Don Ju.^.n. 
The Don is at times free and almost obscene, and the whole tendency of the poem 
may be considered immoral ; but there are scattered throughout it the most 
exquisite pieces of zvritino and feeling— inimitable blendings of zvit, humor, 
raillery and pathos, and by far the fnest xierses Byron ezier wrote. He may be 
said to have created this manner ; for the Bernesco style of the Italians, to 
zvhich it has been compared, is not like it." — Iffe and, TAterary Labors ^/T.oro 
Byron. 


4 


JOHN IK I.OVEIJ, COMI'ANY'S 

Californians and Mormons. 

Sketches of American Life, Manners and Institutions. Ky 

A. F. D. DE KurERT. i vol., i 2 mo, cloth, black and gold oo 


Campbell (Thomas). 

Tlie Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell, with Notes and Bio- 
graphical Sketch. Printed In clear type, on good paper. Red Line Edition. 
1 voK, i 2 mo, illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges 25 

/ do >i't thuik I o7>crrate the tnerits of the '‘'‘Pleasures of Ho/>ef svhethcr 
taking it in its parts^ or as a ivhole^ in preferring it to aity didactic poem in 
the Knglish language. No poet at such aft age ever produced such an ejcguisite 
specimen of poetical mastery; that is, of fine conceptio/t and of high art 
combined. Senti/nents tender, energetic, impassiotied, eloquent, majestic, are 
conveyed to the reader in the tones of a music fore7>er varied, sinking or S7velling 
like the harmonies of an Niolian lyre, yet ever delightful ; and these are illus- 
trated by pictures from romance, history, or domestic life, replete ivith foiver 
and beauty . — Moir’s Lectures oti Poetry. 


“ Cavendish.” 


Card Essays, Clay’s Decisions and Card-Table-Talk. By 

“Cavendish,” i vol., i 6 mo, cloth, gilt 75 cts. 


The Laws and Principles of Whist, carefully revised, with 
diagram cards, printed in two colors; to which is added Card Essays, 
Clay’s Decisions and Card-'l’able Talk, with portrait of “Cavendish.” 
I vol., i 6 mo, cloth, black and gold -'ll 5 c 


Chancer (G-eoiFrey). 

The Poetical Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, with Memoir. 

Printed in clear type, on good paper. Red Line Edition. i vol., 121110 . 

Illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges $i 25 

Chaucer has 7vell been called the father of English poetry. In elocution 
and eloquence, in grace atid harmofiy of 7 iersif cation, he surpassed all his pre- 
decessors, a>/d for the first time in English literature created 7'erse avhich 7t'as 
true poetry, not tnere doggrel rhyme. If is genius 7t>as universal, .and the themes 
he exercised it in, consequently, of boundless suiriety. He painted familiar 
manners 7vith the touch of a master, 7vhich to this day impresses the reader of 
the pages penned five centuries ago 7vith the haunting idea that the poet' s char- 
acters are alwe and mo7)ing in a pageant before him. If is humor 7vas as natu- 
ral and unforced as his pathos 7vas deep, his sentiment pure, and his passion 
fiery and genuine. It -mas Coleridge 7vho said of Chaucer, “/ take unceasing 
delight in him. His manly cheerfulness is especially delicious to me iti my old 
age. Ho7v exquisitely tender he is, yet ho7v perfectly free from the least touch 
of sickly melancholy or morbid drooping." I'he verdict of Coleridge has been 
the verdict of the 7ohole reading ivorld. 


Child’s History of England. 

Child’s History of England. By Charles Dickens, A New 

Edition for the use of Schools. With numerous illustrations. Printed from 
large type, illustrated, i vol., 121110 fSii 00 

Charles Dickens 7orote the Child's History of England for his 07vn children, 
because as he himself says, he could Jlnd nothing in the 7vhole line of English 
histories just suitable for them; at a time 7vhen they 7vere beginning to read 
7»<ifh interest and profit, but not sufficiently ad7>anced to take up the great 


DISCRIPT/VE CATALOGUE, 


5 


standard authors. It 'ivas a labor of lo'Z'c,, and had been 'loell aJ>J^reciatcd by the 
multitudes of young J>eople tvlio have gained their first knoivledge of history 
from this delightful little volunte. It is ivritten vi the most fure and simfle 
language t and has for young readers all the picturesque and vivid interest that 
one of the author^ s tiovels possesses for the older ones. All the great characters 
of English history become as familiar.^ and produce as perma^ient impressions^ 
as the heroes of the A rabian Nights and of the other favorite books of childhood. 
It is not only indispetisable in every household 7uhere any care at all is besto7ved 
upon the education of children., but is also one of the best brief and compendious 
histories of E7igla)id for all classes of readers. 

Also see Dickens (Charles). 


Children of the Abbey. 

A Tale. By Regina Maria Roche, i vol., 121110, illustrated, 

cloth, gilt 00 

Of all the once popular novels of this once famous novelist, the '''‘Children 
of the Abbey"" alone remahis. From the time of its frst republicatiott in this 
country it has retahied its place iti. popular favor. No better example of the 
lumelof our grandfathers could be found, and fe7tf more interesting ones arc 
7vritten hi. these days of the grandchildren. 


Coleridge (Samuel Taylor). 

The Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. With an 

introduction and Memoir. Red l.ine Edition, i vol., lamo, cloth, gilt- 
edges $1 25 

Of all the illustrious English men of letters, Coleridge, svith his spacious 
intellect, his subtle and comprehensive intelligence, holds rank 7vith the first. 
As a poet he mill live 7(nth the language. On his incomparable “ Cene7u'e7U’ '' 
he has lavished all the melting graces of poetry and chh’alry; in his ^'‘Ancient 
Mariner"''' he has sailed, and in his ''' Christaber"* fioivn to the 7>ery limits of in- 
vention and belief ; and in his chant of'‘''Fire. Famine and Slaughter"'' he has 
resfwed the startling strains of the furies, and gwen us a song soorthy the 
prime agents of perdition. 


Collins (Wilkie). 

The Moonstone. By Wjlkie Collins, i vol., i6ino, cloth, 

bla k and gold 50 cts. 

Also, in two volumes, Nos. 8 and 9. J.,oveirs Library, each 10 cts. 

The New Magdalen. By Wilkie Collins, i vol., i6mo, 

cloth, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also, in paper covers, Lovell’s I^ibrary No. 24 20 cts. 


Cooper (J. Fenimore). 

The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757. By J. 

Fenimore Cooper. Printed from large, clear type, i vol., i2mo, cloth. 

black and gold 00 

Also in paper covers. Lovell’s Library No. 26 20 cts. 

The Spy. By J. Fenimore Cooper. i6mo, paper covers, 

Lovell’s Library, No. 53 20 cts. 


Cowper (William). 

The complete Poetical Works of William Cowfer. Printed 

from new plates, large, clear type, handsomely illustrated. Red Line 
Edition, i vol., limo, cloth, black and gold, gilt edges $i 25 


6 JOHN JK LOVELL COMEANYL^ 


Co7t'f>ey tvas the f>oet of 7 vell educated and 7 vell frincifleti England. His 
muse mas as pure as his stj/le, atid his life coujornied to both. His “' /VzjrXr” is a 
poem of such infinite variety that it seems to include all possible subjects. H 
contains pictures of domestic comfort and social rejinement ivhich can only be 
forgotten ivith the language itself. 


Crabbe (G-eorge). 

The Poetical Works of George Crabbe. Red Line Edition. 

I vol., i2mo, illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges 2^ 

Dr. Johnson., to cohom Crabbe'' s first poem. “ The JTllage,** 7 vas submitted, 
pronounced it original. 7 /igorous and elegant.'^ The public endorsed the great 
lexicographer's opinion, and Crabbe deser 7 ’edit. His genius 7 vas essentially 
analytic and humane. He had a mortal hatred of 7 orong. and 7 vas never so 
actizte as vdten laying it bare to the nvorld. 


Dante Alighieri. j 

The Vision of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, of Dante 

Alighieri, Translated by the Rev. Henry Francis Cary, A. M. With the ' 
life of Dante and Chronological View of his age. Red Line Edition. ‘ 
I vol., i2mo, illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges 25 


Of all the translations of Dante. Cary's has been conceded the most success- 
ful. It is executed zaith perfect fidelity and admirable skill. It mould be 
impossiblle to transfer the lines of the great Italian poet into our language v'ith 
any closer preserzration of their beauties of rhythm and meaning than Mr. 
Cary has succeeded in accomplishing. ■ 


Detlef (Carl). ! 

Irene; or, the Lonely Manor. By Carl Getlek. i vol., 

161110, cloth, black and gold 50 cts ' 

Also, in paper covers, in Lovell's Library, No. 20 , rts’ 


De Qnincy (Thomas). 

The Spanish Nun. By Thoma.s De Qui.xcv. i6mo. jiaper 

covers, Lovell’s Library, No. 20 cts. r 


Dickens-Collins Xmas Stories. ) 

No Thoroughfare and Two Idle Apprentices, iiy Charles f 

Dickens and Wilkie Colli.ns. i vol., 12010, cloth, black and golil, t>o J 

Dickens (Charles). 

Charles Dickens’ Complete Works. Lovell’s Popular Ulus. 

trated Edition. Printed from entirely new electrotyjie plates, large clc.ir ( 
type, with over 150 illustrations by Phiz, Barnard, Green, etc., etc. 


I. Pickwick Paper.s. 
11. David Copperfield. 

III. Martin Chuzzlewit. 

IV. Nicholas Nickleby. 


IX. 

X. 
XI. 

XTI, 


I V. Bleak House. 

* VI. Little Dorrit. 

VII. Dombey and Sou. 

^ i VIII. Our Mutual Friend. 
Oliver Twist, Pictures from Italy, and American Notes, 
Old Curiosity Shop and Hard Times. 

Tale of Two Cities and Sketches by Boz. 

Burnaby Rudee and Mystery of Edwin Drood. 


DISCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, 


/ 


Dickens (Charles)— C ontinued. 


XIII. Great Expectations, Uncommercial Traveller, -rnd 
Miscellaneous. 

XIV. Christmas Stories and Reprinted Pieces. 

XV. Child’s History of England and Miscellaneous. 


15 vols., i2ino, cloth, gilt. $22 so 

15 vols., 121110, half Russia 33 

15 vols., 121110, half calf 45 00 


Also published separately. 


Child’s History of England. By Charles Dickens, i voI., 

1 2mo, cloth, black and gold 00 

Oliver Twist. By Charles Dickens, i vol., i2mo, cloth, 

black and gold 00 

Also, in paper covers, Lovell’s Library’ No. 10 2octs. 

A Tale of Two Cities. By Charles Dickens, i vol., i2mo, 

cloth, black and gold $1 00 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library No. 38 20 cts. 


Dictionary of the Bible. 

By Edward Robinson, D.D., with a history of the Bible, by 
William Smith, LL.D. i vol., 12010, cloth, gilt $i 25 


Don Quixote de la Mancha. 

Translated from the Spanish of Miguel de Cervantes Saave- 
dra. By Charles Jarvis. Carefully revised and corrected. Printed 
from new plates, large clear type, illustrated, i vol., i2ino, cloth, gilt, $i 00 


Dore G-allery. 

The Dore Gallery of Bible Stories, illustrating the principal 
events in the Old and New Testaments, with descriptive Text by Josephine 
Pollard, i large 4to volume, magnificently illustrated by Gustave Dore. 


Cloth, gilt $3 00 

Dryden (John). 

The Poetical Works of John Dryden. Red Line Edition. 

I vol., i2mo, illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges $i 25 


To read him is as bracing as a nortliivest ivind. He blows the 7nind clear. 
In ripeness ajtd bluff heartiness of exfressiojc he takes rank with the best. . 

To be among the first iti any kmd of writing,, as Drydett certainly was^ is to be 
one of a very stnall cotttpany. — Jolni Russell Lowell. 


Eliot (G-eorge), Works of 

The Complete Works of George Eliot, beautifully printed 

from large, clear type, on good paper,' and handsomely bound in cloth. 


8 vols., i2mo, cloth, black and gold fio 00 

8 vols., “ on better paper, cloth, gilt top 12 00 

8 vols., “ “ half calf 24 00 


I. Middlemarch. 

II. Daniel Deronda. 

III. Romola. 

IV. Felix Holt. 

VIIT. The Spanish Gypsey, 
Theophrastus Such. 


V. Romola. 

VI. The Mill on the Floss. 

VII. Scenes from Clerical Life 

I and Silas Marner. 

Jubal and other Poems, and 


« yO//A’ li: LOl’ELL COMPANY'S 

Eliot (George).— Continued. 

Also published separately. 

Adam Bede. By George Eliot, i vol., 121110, cloth, black 


and gold $1 00 

Also in paper covers, in two parts, Lovell’s Library No. 56, each 15 cts. 


English Men of Letters. 

English Men of Letters, edited by John Morley. A series of 

Brief Biographies by the most eminent literary men of the day. s vol.s., 
i2mo. Printed from fine clear type, on good paper, handsomely bound in 


cloth, gilt $3 75 

Any volume sold separately, bound in cloth, gilt 75 cts. 


Vol. I. contains 
Burns, by Principal Shairp. 
Byron, by Professor Nichol. 
Milton, by Mark Pattison. 
Shelley, by J. A. Symonds. 

Vol. II. contains 
Chaucer, by Prof. A. W. Ward. 
Cowper, by Goldwin Smith. 
Pope, by Leslie Stephen. 
Southey, by Prof. Dowden. 

Volume ^ 


Vol. III. contains 
Bunyan, by J. A. Froude. 
Spenser, by the Dean of St. Paul’s. 
Locke, by Thomas Fowler. 
Wordsworth, by F. Myers. 

Vol. IV. contains 
Burke, by John Morley. 

Gibbon, by J. C. Morison. 
Hume, by Prof. Huxley. 
Johnson, by Leslie Stephen. 

. contains 


Defoe, by William Minto. 

Goldsmith^ by William Black. 

Scott, by R. H. Hutton. 

Thackeray, by Anthony Trollope. 

Each Biography is also issued separately, in neat paper cover, price, including 


postage, JO cents, VIZ.: — 

Bunyan, by J. A. Froude. 
Burke, by John Morley. 

Burns, by Principal Shairp. 
Byron, by Professor Nichol. 
Chaucer, by Prof. A. W. Ward. 
Cowper, by Goldwin Smith. 
Defoe, by William Minto. 
Gibbon, by J. C. Morison. 
Goldsmith, by William Black. 
Hume, by Professor Huxley. 
Johnson, by Leslie Stephen. 


Locke, by Thomas Fowler. 
Milton, by Mark Pattison. 
Pope, by Leslie Stephen. 

Scott, by R. H. Hutton. 
Shelley, by J. Symonds. 
Southey, by Prof. Dowden. 
Spenser, by the Dean of St, 
Paul’s. 

Thackeray, by Anthony Trol- 
lope. 

Wordsworth, by F. Myers. 


Farrar (F. W., D.D.) Works of 

Seekers after God. By F. W. Farrar, D.D. i vol., i6mo. 


cloth, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library No. 19 20 cts. 

Early Days of Christianity. By F. W. P'arrar, D.D. i vol., 

i2mo, cloth, gilt oa 

Alsoiu paper covers, Lovell’s Library, No. 50, in two parts, each 20 cts. 


D/SCRIP'r/P^': CA 7'ALOOA/P. 


9 


Favorite Pocket Dictionary of the Eng- 

lish Language. 

Based on the labors and principles of the latest and best Ameri- 

can and English authorities, i vol., i6n)0, 320 pages, cloth 25 cts. 


Favorite Poems. 

Selections from the writings of the best Poets, with many poems 
by American authors. Red Line Edition, i vol., i2mo, cloth, gilt, gilt 
edges 25 

T/if most Jtopular Poe VIS in the language have a place in this volume. Selec- 
ted and edited vdth great care^ they form a collection such as has never before 
been presented to the public^ and o 7 ie vdtich is alviost uidispensable vdieres^er the 
refuted love for literature in its highest a 7 id most ref tied form exists. 


Fenillet (Octave). 

Marriage in High Life. By Octave Feuillet, translated 


by Olive Logan, i vol., i6mo, cloth, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library No, 41 20 cts. 


Frankenstein ; 

Or, the Modern Prometheus. By Mary Wollstonecraft 


Shelley, i vol., i6mo, cloth, black and gold% 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, lamo, 177 pages, Lovell’s Library No. 5 10 cts. 


Sir Walter Scott has said : 

Frankstein^' has passages ivhich appal the mind and make the fesh 
creep.'''* 

While Thornton Ifunt^ speaking of Mrs. Shelley^ says: 

“ ffer command of History and her imiginative po 7 very are shown in such 
a book as., “ Valperga ; *’ but the daring originality of her mind comes out ttiost 
distinctly in her earliest published work., ‘ Frankenstein.'' 


G-eorge (Henry). 

Progress and Poverty. By Henry George. i6mo, paper 

covers, Lovell’s Library No. 52 20 cts. 

Tet us say^ at the outset, that this is not a work to be brushed aside with 
lofty indifference or cool disdain. It is ttot the production of a visionary or a 
sciolist, of a meagerly equipped or ill-regulated mind. The writer has brought 
to his undertaking a comprehensive knowledge of dhe data and principles of 
science, and his skill in exposition a?id illusrtration attests a broad acquaintance 
with history and literature. Few books have, in recetit years, proceeded from 
a?iy American pen ^vhich have more plainly borne the marks of wide learning 
and strenuous thought, or which have brought to the expoutidhig of a serious 
theme a happier faculty of elucidation. — New York Sun, 

G-ibbon (Charles). 

The Golden Shaft. By Chas. Gibbon, i vol., i6mo, cloth, 


black and gold 50 cts. 

Also, in paper covers, in LovelP.s Library, No. 57 20 cts. 


JOHN JJ: LOVELL COMPAKYL^ 


lo 

G-oldsmith. (Oliver). 

The Poetical Works of Oliver ( Ioldsmitii. Red Line Edition. 


I vol., i2mo, illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges 25 

Vicar of Wakefield. By Oliver Ooldsmith. Paper cover-, 
LoveH's l/ibrary, No. 51 10 ci> 


Also included, in i vol,, clotli, lamo, with Paul and Virginia and Rassclas,.^i 00 

Coldsniith^ both in />rose and 7>i^rse, is one 0 / the niost delightful -.nriters in 
the language. 1 1 is verse Jloms lUcc a limped stream. His Tra^ieller is one of the 
most finished and noble poems e7>er voitteii. Ills Deserted Village is a master 
piece., full of an accuracy of nature^ in one of its sv<eetest phases., and a pro- 
found pathos inexpressibly touching and powerful. 


G-rant (James). 

The Secret Dispatch. By James Grant. i vol., 161110, 

cloth, black and gold 50 cts. 

.Also in paper covers, I.ovell’s Library No. 49 20 cts. 


G-rimm Brothers. 

Grimm’s Popular Tales. Collected by the Brothers Grimm. 

Printed from new plates, large, clear type, handsomely illustrated. 1 vol., 
i2mo, cloth, black and gold $i 00 


G-ulliver’s Travels and Baron Mnn- 
chausen. 

Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, to which is added The 

Travels and Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 2 vols. 


in one, i2mo. Illustrated, cloth,' black and gold 

See also SwiFT (Dean). 


Halevy (Ludovic). 

L’Abbe Constantine. By Ludovic Hat.evy. 

cloth, black and gold 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s I.ibrary, No. 15.. 

I vol., i6mo, 

Hatton (Joseph). 

Ciytie. A Novel. By JosErii Hatton. 

Lovell’s Standard Library, cloth, black and gold 

1 vol., 121110, 



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Two on a Tower. By Tho.mas Hardy, i vol., i6mo, cloth. 


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The Poetical Works of Mr.s. Felicia Hemans, edited with a 

critical Memoir by Wii.LiAM Michakl Rossktti. Illustrated by Thomas 
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vol,, i2mo. Illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges 25 


DiSCk/PJIVE CA TALOGUE. 


1 r 


Mrs. Ifcnians has been called the most Jyo/^ular of feniale. /octs. Her genius 
'outs of the domestic ordei', and its eniinations found the safest of all abiding^ 
/>laces^ that of the family and the fireside. She shosos high sentiment and 
heoric feeling no'to and then.^ but her affections are ivith the gentle^ the meek 
and the 'mounded in spirit. She is the authoress of many a plaintive and 
mournful strain., and her poetry throughout is intensely feminine. “ Her best 
songs f as Allan Cunningham ivrote., ‘* have been rightly named of the affections."' 


Henley (Leonard). 

Life of Washington. By Leonard Henley, i vol. i6mo. 


cloth, black and gold . 50 cts. 

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The poems of George Herbert have stood the crucial test of tsvo centuries of 
criticisms and come out pure gold. IVith their intense dez'otional feelings they 
combine a quaint siveetness of expression and an earnest fuency of diction vdiich 
lend them a charm peculiarly their oivn. His homlier poems, those on 'ivhich the 
ingenuity of his culthmted mind svas not lavished, but which were thrown off 
as the spontaneous pi'oductions of his unconventional muse. A model of a man 
and a clergyman, Herbert may almost be held up as a model of a poet too. 


Homer. 

The Odyssey of Homer. Translated by Alexander Pope, 

with notes and introduction by the Rev. T. A. Buckley. ]\ 1 .A., F.S.A. 
Red Line ICdition. With Flaxrnan’s Designs, i vOl., 121110, cloth, black 
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The Iliad of Homer. Translated by Alexander Pope, with 

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Pope' s translation of the Iliad v<as unquestionably the greatest literary 
labor ever executed. Dr. yohnson pronounced it the 7 ioblest 7 >ersion of poetry 
the world had ever seeji. and called it a treasure of poetical elegatice. It is in 
fact a marvelous 7 vork for purity of language a 7 id grace of style. There have 
bee 7 i more faithful tra 7 islatio 7 is of Ho 77 ier hi the literal sense, but none which 
approached that of Pope hi literary value. 


Hood (Thomas). 

The choice works of Thomas Hood, in Prose and Verse, includ- 


ing the cream of the Comic Annuals, with Life of the Author. Portrait 

and over 200 illustrations. 1 vo)., i2mo, 780 pp., cloth. -^2 00 

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d’he Poetical Works of I'no.M.^s Hood. Red Line Edition. 1 vol., i2mo illus- 
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Hood’s 7 >erse, whether serious or comic, is ever preg 7 ia 7 it with materials for 
thoughts. Like ex>ery author distinguished for true comic huinor, there is a deep 
7 ie 171 of 'melancholy pathos running through his ipiirth. The same genius that 
created the Lost Boy ga 7 >e birth to the Song of the Shirt, the Bridge of Sighs, 
and the Dreain of ILugene Aram. While his lighter works bristle 7 vith wit and 
fine sarcasm, his serious ones are preg 7 ia 7 it nvith such te?ider)iess and such s,e 7 tse 
of nature, animate a 7 id inani 7 naie, as fe~r poets haate erer peered. 


12 


JOHN IK LOVELL COMPANTS 


Houdin (Robert). 

The Tricks of the Greeks Unveiled j or, The Art of Win- 

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The complete Poetical Works of Jean Ingelow. Printed in 

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The Tt'orld has see7i feitf sufeeter singers than Jean Ingelo^v. Her />octlcal 
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berless hearts., ivhile her poetic instinct has evinced itself in vtorks of a high 
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Ivanlioe. 

By Sir Walter Scott, Bart. From the last Edinburgh edition, 


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Jvanhoe vias giveti to the ivorld in 1820 , and ivithhi the year had been trans- 
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the people 70/10 77io7>ed hi it. of Richard Cie7ir de Lio/i a/id his brave paladuis. 
that has 7iot read l77a7ihoe.” 


James (G. P. R.) 


One-Volume Edition. Containing a selection of the best novels 

of this popular writer; — 


One in a Thousand. 

Richelieu. 

The Robbers. 

The Gentleman 

I vol., 8 vo, cloth, black and gold . . 


Philip Augustus. 

The Gypsy. 

The Ancient Regime, 
of the Old School. 

5*^ 


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fall. The classic purity of their language, the force a7id perspicuity of their 
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they eidfice, place these celebrated epistles i// the first ra7i/c of K7iglish literature. 


DISCRIPTIVE CA TALOGUE. 


>5 


Keats (John). 

The Poetical Works of John Keats. Red Line Edition, i 

vol., 121110. Illustrated, cloth, gilt edges ... $i ^>5 

In his R}uiyinion Keats created a loork lohich the critics have not done dis- 
puting over ye t^ but ^vhich the readvtg public acknovdedges to be one 0/ the most 
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mortal ever formed a cotiception of Two works hi. which Keats is seen to 
his best advantage are his Lamia and Isabella. These^ as well as his minor 
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The Hermits. By Ciias. Kingsley, i vol. i6mo, cloth, black 


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Knight (Charles). 

Popular History of Hngland, from the landing of Julius 

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The same, popular edition, 4 vols., i2mo. 32 illustrations, cloth, gilt. .. $6 00 


Knighfs History op England has taken its place among the standard chron- 
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easy and graceful, and free front all the ponderousness and dryness of descrip- 
tion whicli render so many histories unreadable. 


Lamb (Charles). 

The Complete Works, in Prose and Verse, of Charles Lamb, 

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Language and Poetry of Flowers. 

Language and Poetry of Flowers. Selected from the best 

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Divorce. By Margaret Lee. i vol.., i6nio. cloth, black and 

gold 50 cts. 

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«4 


JOHN IV. LOVELL COMP.] NY'S 


Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay. 

By his nephew George Otto Trevelyan, M.P. Two volumes 

in one. i vol., lamo., cloth, gilt 25 

The personality of Maca ulay is marked in his loritten life as clearly as he 
ever marked that of any of his historic heroes. The letters and papers., the | 
fragments of the great chro7iicler'* s work thus rescued from oblivion^ are a mine . 
of interest. The reader to whoni Macaulay the litterateur has become funiliar | 
through his 07vn productions., will never know AI acaulay the man until he 
learns hitn through the jnedumi of his 7iephew's pe7L picture. ’ \ 


Longfellow (H. W.) Works 

Hyperion. A Romance. By H. W. Longfellow, i vol., 

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i Outre-Mer. A Pilgrimage beyond the Sea. By H. W. Lonc;- 

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Lovell’s Red Line Poets. 

LovelPs Red Line Edition of the Poets. Witliout doul)t 

the finest and most complete edition of the poets ever issued in this country, 
at a low price. In lamo volumes, illustrated, handsomely bound in clotli. \ 
black' and gold, gilt edges $i 25J 


Arnold. 

Goldsmith. 

Pope. 

Aytoun. 

Hemans. 

Procter. 1 

Burns. 

Hood. 

Religious Poems. 

Byron. 

Herbert. 

Schiller. 

Browning. 

Iliad. 

Scott. 

Chaucer. 

Ingelow. 

Shakspeare. 

Campbell. 

Keats. 

Shelley. 

Cowper. 

Kirke White. 

Spenser. 

Crabbe. 

Lucile. 

Taylor’s Philip vaii 

Coleridge. 

Milton. 

Artevald. ) 

• ^ 

Dante. 

Moore. 

Tennyson. j* 

Dryden. 

Macaulay. 

Thomson. 

Eliot. 

Meredith. 

Tupper. 

Eliza Cook. 

Ossian. 

Virgil. 

Favorite Poems. 

Odyssey 

White, Kirke. 

Goethe. 

Poe. 

Willis. 

Goethe’s Faust. 

Poetry of Flowers. 

Wordsworth. 


DISCRIPriVE CATALOGim. ii; 


Lovell’s Library, 

Under the title of ‘‘L ovell^s Library; a Weekly Publica- 

I'lON,” the undersigned have commenced the publication of all the best 
wo ks in Current and Standard Literature. It is believed that this issue 
will be found superior to anything heretofore attempted, especially in the 
following points : /'Vnv/— The type will be larger and the print consquently 
clearer. Second — d'hc size being the popular lamo, will be found much 
more pleasant and convenient to handle. Third — Each number will have 
a handsome paper cover ; and this, in connection with the size, will make it 
worthy of preservation. 

NUMBERS NOW READY : 


CENTS. 

I. Hyperion, by Longfellow, 20 


2. Outre-Mer, by Longfel- 

low 20 

3. The Happy Boy, by 

Bjorn son 10 

4. Arne, by Bjornson 10 

5. Frankenstein, by Mrs. 

Shelley 10 

6. The Last of the Mohi> 

cans 20 

7. Clytie, byjoseph Platton, 20 

8. The Moonstone, by Wil- 

kie Collins, Parti 10 

9. Do. Part II 10 

10. Oliver Twist, by Dickens, 20 

11. The Coming Race; or 

the New Utopia, by Lord 
Lytton 10 

12. Leila; or the Siege of 

Granada, by Lord Lytton, 10 

13. The Three Spaniards, 

by George Walker 20 I 

14. The Tricks of the Greeks 

Unveiled, by Robert Hou- 
din 20 

15. L’Abbe Constantin, by 

Ludovic Halevy, author 
of “La Fille de Mme. 
Angot,” etc . . . 20 

1 6. Freckles, by Rebecca F er- 

gus Redcliff. A new orig- 
inal story 20 


CENTS. 


17. The Dark Colleen, by 

Mrs. Robert Buchanan, 20 

18. They were Married, by 

Walter Besant and James 
Rice 10 

19. Seekers after God, by 

Canon Farrar 20 

20. The Spanish Nun, by 

Thos. De Quincey 10 

21. The Green Mountain 

Boys, by Judge D. P. 
Thompson 20 

22. Fleur ette, by Eugene 

Scribe 20 

23. Second Thoughts, by 

Rhoda Broughton 20 

24. The New Magdalen, by 

Wilkie Collins 20 

25. Divorce, by Margaret Lee, 20 

26. Life of Washington, by 

Leonard Henley 20 


27. Social Etiquette, by 

Mrs. W. A. Saville ... i^ 

28. Single Heartand Double 

Face, by Chas. Reade. . lo 

29. Irene; or, the Lonely 


Manor 20 

30. Vice-Versa, by F.Anstey, 20 

31. Ernest Maltr avers, by 

Lord Lytton 20 


I^") yo//.V IK T.OVEI.I. COMPAh^Y'E 


Lovell’s Library- CoNTiN 

(. knts. 

32. The Haunted House and 

Calderon the Courtier, 
by Lord Lytton. 10 

33. John Halifax, by Miss 

Miilock 20 

34. 800 Le agues on the Am- 

azon, by Jules Verne . . 10 

35. The Cryptogram, by 


Jules Verne 10 

36. Life of Marion, by Horry 

and Weems 20 

37. Paul and Virginia 10 

38. Tale of Two Cities, by 

Charles Dickens 20 

39. The Hermits, by Rev. 

Charles Kingsley 20 


40. An Adventure in Thule, 

and Marriage of Moira 
Fergus, by Win. Black, 10 

41. A Marriage in High 


Life, by Octave Feuillet, 20 

42. Robin, by Mrs. Parr. ... 20 

43. Two on a Tower, by 

Thomas Hardy 20 

44. Rasselas, by Samuel John- 

son lo 

45. Alice; or the Mysteries, 

being Part II. of Ernest 
Maltravers 20 

46. Duke of Kandos, by A. 

Mathey 20 

47. Baron Munchausen. .. . 10 

48. A Princess of Thule, by 

Wm. Black 20 

49. The Secret Despatch, 

Grant 20 

50. Early Days of Christ- 

ianity, by Canon Farrar, 

D.D., Parti 20 

Do. Part II 20 

51. Vicar of Wakefield, by 

Oliver Goldsmith 10 


KIL 

CK.N r.s. 


52. Progress and Poverty, 

by Henry George 20 

53. The Spy, liy J. Fenimoix* 

Cooper 20 

54. Last Lynne, by Mrs. Hen- 
ry Wood 20 

55. A Strange Story, by Lord 

Lytton 20 

56. Adam Bede, by George 

Eliot, Part I i 

Do. Pat II I's 

57. The Golden Shaft, by 

Charles Gibbon 20 

58. Portia ; or by Pas.sions 

Rocked, by “'fhe Diich- 
es.s*’ 20 

59. Last Days of Pompeii, 

by Lord Lytton 20 

60. The Two Duchesses, by 

A. Mathey 20 

Hypatia, by Rev. Charles 

Kingslev, Part 1 15 

Do. ' Part II 15 

The Vendetta. Tales of 
Love and Passion, by Ho- 
nore de Balzac 20 

Gulliver’s Travels, by 
Dean Swift 20 


Horse Shoe Pobinson^ 
by Kennedy, Iknt I. . . . 15 
Do. Part 11 ... 15 

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte 


Bronte 20 

The Wooing O t,by Mrs. 
Alexander, P.,i t 1 ..... 15 

Do. Part II 15 

The Admiia.’s Ward^ 
by Mrs. Alex.’.uder 20 

John Wynne's Wives, 


by C. M. ( i ly. author 
of‘‘The Mode 1 .i Hagar,” 20 


17 


DISCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 


5 Lovell’s Popular Library. 

j In i6mo volumes, handsomely bound in clotli, black and j^old, 

i, 50 cents each. 


DV F. ANSTEW I 

Vice-Versa. 

B V MRS. A L EX A NO ER. | 

The Admiral’s Ward. | 

In Press, i 

The Wooing, O. T. 

BY By OR NST. BJORNSOX. \ 

The Happy Boy, and Arne. | 

B I ^ WIL L I A M BLA CK. 

A Princess of Thule. 

BY CHARLOTTE BRONTE. 

Jane Eyre. 

AY RIIODA BROUCHTON. 

Second Thoughts. 

BY WILKIE COLLINS. 

The Moonstone. 

The New Magdalen. 

PY CARL DETLEF. 

Irene ; or the Lonely Manor. 

By RE V. CA NO N FA R R A A*, D. D. 

Seekers after God. 

BY OCTA VE FE UIL L E T. 

Marriage in High Life. 

BY charll:s gibbon. 

The Golden Shaft. 

BY JAMES GRANT. 

The Secret Dispatch. 

BY lAJDOVIC II A LEVY. 

L’Abbe Constantine. 

BY THOMAS HARDY. 

Two on a Tower. 

BY JOSEPH HATTON, 

Clytie. 

BY LEO NA RD HENL E ) 

Life of Washington. 

BY HORRY AND WEEMS, 

Jbife of Marion. 


ROBERT HO U DIN. 

The Tricks of the Greeks 

Unveiled. 

BY HARRIETT JAY. 

The Dark Colleen. 

BY RE V. CH A R L ES KINGS L E ) 

Hypatia. 

The Hermits. 

B Y MA R GA R E T L EE. 

Divorce. 

B Y //. // : /. OAHF E LLOl V. 

Hyperion. 

Outre- Mer. *■ 

B]' LORD L YTTON. 

The Coming Race : or the 
New Utopia, and Leila : or the 
Siege of Granada. 

BY A. MATHEW 

Duke of Kandos. 

The Two Duchesses. 

BY MISS MU LOCK, 

John Halifax. 

BY MRS. PARR. 

Robin. 

B i ^ REB E C CA FE R G US REDD - 
CLIFF. 

Freckles. 

BY EUGENE SCRIBE. 

Fleurette. 

BY MARY WOLSI'ONE CRAFT 
SHELLEY. 

Frankenstien ; or the Modern 

Prometheus, to which is added The 
Haunted House and Calderon the 
Courtier, by Lord Lytton. 

BY JUDGE D. P. THOMPSON. 

The Green Mountain Boys. 

BY JULES VERNE. 

The Giant Raft. Part I., 800 

Leagues on the Amazon: Part 11. 
The Cryptogram. 

BY GEORGE WA LITER. 

The Three Spaniards. 

B}' MRS. HENRY WOOD 

East Lynne. 


JOITiV IK LOVEIJ, COJ/P.LVrS 


i8 

Lovell’s Standard Library. 

The best selection of Classic Fiction, etc. Printed uniformly in 
large clear type, from new electrotype plates, and very beautifully bound. 
Sold at the uniform price of a volume, making this edition the most de- 
sirable in the market. In lamo volumes. Cloth, black and gold per 
volume oo 


First Skries. 


Robinson Crusoe. 

Arabian Nights. 

Swiss Family Robinson. 
Children of the Abbey. 

Don Quixote. 

l^unyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. 
Ivanhoe. 

Scottish Chiefs. 

Thaddeus of Warsaw. 

Last Days of Pompeii. 
Andersen’s Fairy Tales. 


Tom Brown's School Days at 
j Rugby. 

Grimm’s Popular Tales. 

Paul and Virginia, Rasselas, 
and the Vicar of Wakefield. 
Gulliver’s Travels and Baron 
Munchausen. 

Dicken’s Childs History of 
Dngland. 

Willy Reilly. • 


wSecond Series. 


Vanity Fair. 

The Mysterious Island — Jules 
Verne. 

20,000 Leagus under the Sea. 
Tour of the World in 80 days. 
The Fur Country. — Jules 
Verne. 

Five Weeks in a Baloon. — 
Jules Verne. 

Last of the Mohicans. 


Irving’s Sketch Book. 

Oliver Twist. 

DickenS'Collins Xmas Stories. 
Waverley. 

Redgauntlet. 

Clytie. 

John Halifax. 

East Lynne. 

Jane Eyre. 

Adam Bede. 


Lucile. 


By Owen Meredith. Printed from new plates, large clear 
type. Red Idne Edition. i vol.. lamo. Illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt 
edges 25 


DISCRfPTIVE catalogue. 






’Lytton (Lord), 

Last Days of Pompeii. By Sir Edward Bulwer, Lord 

I Lytton, Lovell’s Standard Classics, i vol., lamo. Illustrated, cloth, black 


and gold 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library, No. 59 20 cts. 


I I'he Last Days of Povipeii is a picture of the life of that extinct city ivhich 
I even the researches cf jnociern archceology have not created the equal of . The 
■ extraordinary faculty Bulwer possessed of reviving fronts the dry pages of 
; history the real spirit of the times it deals with^ is fully established in this 
I story. No words ever painted a gra 7 ider and more hispiring picture tha 7 t the 
^ eruptio7i of Vesuvius, u 7 ider 7 vhich the gay city perished i 7 i the bloo 77 i of its ex- 
iste 7 ice, with which the story Ji 7 tds its e 7 id. 


The Coming Race ; or. The New Utopia, and Leila, or the 

Siege of Granada. By I,.ord I.ytton. i vol., i6mo, cloth, black and 

gold 50 cts. 

Also published separately as Nos. ii and 12 Lovell’s Library, paper covers, 
each lo cts. 


Ernest Maltravers. By Lord Lytton. Paper covers, 

Lovell’s T.ibrary, No. 31 20 cts. 

Alice ; or, The Mysteries. Sequel to Ernest Maltravers. By 

Lord Lytton. Paper covers. No. 45, Lovell’s Library 20 cts. 

The Haunted House and Calderon the Courtier. By 

I.ORD I.YTTON. Paper covers, Lovell’s Library, No. 32 10 cts 

A Strange Story. By Lord Lytton. i6mo, plain paper 

(^vers, T.ovell’s Library, No. 55 20 cts. 


Macaulay (Thomas Bahington). 

History of England, from the Accession of James the Second. 
By Thomas Babington Macaulay. This is a new edition of this well- 
known Standard Work, printed from new electrotype plates, in the popular 
i2mo form, and is without doubt the best of the cheaper editions of the work 
published. 5 vols., i2mo, 600 pp. each, cloth, in box $5 00 

Macaulay'' s History of E 7 igla 7 id has bee 7 i justly called a great natio 7 ial 
work. Its power, wisdo 77 i a 7 id success com 7 ) 7 a 7 i(p U 7 tfeig 7 ied admiration. Every 
page bears testit 7 io 7 iy to a degree of co 7 iscie 7 itious a 7 id 77 ti 7 tute research which 710 
historia 7 t has ever surpassed, a 7 id few have ever approached. The work is a 
7 no}TU 7 }te 7 it to a life of uidefatigable toil. The style is faultlessly luntinous ; 
every word is ut its right place ; every se 7 ite 7 ice is exquisitely bala 7 iced ; the 
curre 7 it of hiterest 7 iever flags. More tha 7 i 150,000 were sold hi this country hi 
the first mo 7 ith after publication. 

Critical and Miscellaneous Essays and Poems. Fine large 

type, new stereotype plates, printed on good paper, neatly bound, 3 vols., 
i2mo. 820 pp. each ^3 75 


“ They raiik atno 7 ig the finest artistic products of the ce 7 itury The 

a 77 iou 7 it of kiiowledge each of them hic hides can only be estimated by those who 
ha 7 >e patie 7 itly read the ma 7 iy voluiiies they so brilliatUly coiideiise.^'* — Edwhi 
F. Whipple. 

(yomplete Works, consisting of the above five volumes of the 

History, and three volumes of the Critical and Miscellaneous Essays and 
Poems. 8 vols., i2mo, cloth, in box $8 00 


■iO 


yo/hv IK I.OVELL COMPAh^V'^i 


Macaulay (Thomas) Babington— Conti nuf.i). 

Lays of Ancient Rome, with Ivry, the Armada, and oth( 
Poems, By Lord Macaulay. Red Line Edition, i vol., lemo. Illustrate 
cloth, gilt, gilt edges a 

The Lays of A?icie)it Rome'' the vividpicss of outline^ graphic hrcadtl 
and rapidity of narrative^ approach the poems of Scott. The Battle of //:* 
Bridge" is full of heroic action a7id energy, and Virginia" is touching from 
the very simplicity of its majestic sentiment. P.Tacaulay as a poet rivals Ma 
caulay as a historian. If he had vritten much tnore z>e7'se he still vould no., 
have penned enough. | 

Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay, by liis nephew George 

Otto I'revelyan, M.P, 'Pwo volumes in one. i vol., i?mo. 630 pages, 
cloth, gilt 25 


Mathey (A.) 


Duke of Kandos. By A. Mathey, translated by P'rank P. 

Clark, i vol., i6mo, cloth, extra, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library, No. 46 20 cts. 

The Two Duchesses. By A. Mathey, translated by Frank 

P. Clark, i vol., i6mo, cloth, black and gold 50 cts. 

Also in paper covers, Lovell’s Library, No. 58 20 cts. 


Meredith, Owen (Robert Lord Lytton). 

The Poetical Works of Owen Meredith (Robert Lord 

IvVTTon). Printed from new electrotype plates, handsomely illustrated. 

Red Line Edition, i vol., icmo. Illustrated, cloth, gilt, gilt edges. 25 

Since the publication of his first v>orh., Clytemnestry Meredith has steadily 
ascetuied in the scale of poetic ran/c. He has the spirit and feeling of the getiu- 
ine poet improz^ed by the judgment of the man of the zvorld, and the condition 
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11. .20 

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61. Tom Brown at Rugby, - - .20 

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